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6 <br /> 5. Public Hearings <br /> None. <br /> 6. Regular Agenda <br /> a. Presentation of Final Report from the BOCC Elections Advisory Group (BEAG) <br /> The Board received the Final Report on the Process for Electing County Commissioners <br /> in Orange County from the BOCC Elections Advisory Group. <br /> BACKGROUND: <br /> At the Board of Commissioners' April 7, 2020 Virtual Business meeting, a request/petition was <br /> presented that the Board discuss and potentially change a portion of the process under which <br /> some or all Board members are elected. <br /> The Board subsequently discussed the issue at its May 5, 2020 Virtual Business meeting and <br /> voted to: <br /> 1) Establish a committee to study alternative methods of election; <br /> 2) Select members for the committee no later than January 31, 2021; <br /> 3) Have the committee review options and report back by July 31, 2021; and <br /> 4) For the Board to review the recommendations, and if necessary conduct public <br /> hearings and make a decision in time for the March 2022 primary election. <br /> The Board subsequently discussed the proposal further at its September 10, 2020 work <br /> session. Staff requested direction from the Board on: <br /> • the total number of members the committee should include; <br /> • whether the committee should consist entirely of residents; <br /> • whether election or other experts would be considered/appointed; <br /> • whether there should be representation from nonprofit entities; <br /> • whether there would be a formal application process; and <br /> • any other details regarding the establishment of the committee. <br /> Based on direction given at that meeting, the Clerk's Office solicited applications from Orange <br /> County residents for fifteen (15) seats for the BOCC Elections Advisory Group, with <br /> appointments to be made by January 31, 2021. The Group materials noted that the purpose is <br /> to "study alternative methods/districts to elect the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) and <br /> make a recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners." <br /> Staff advertised the application opportunity on the county website and also published two Public <br /> Service Announcements regarding the Group. The opportunity to apply to serve was shared on <br /> WCHL radio station. An announcement also occurred at the Board's October 20, 2020 <br /> Business meeting that the county was recruiting for potential appointees to the BOCC Elections <br /> Advisory Group and that applications were available on the county website under Board of <br /> Commissioners -Volunteer Advisory Boards & Commissions. The county received applications <br /> from twenty-three (23) interested individuals. <br /> At its February 2, 2021 Business meeting, the Board of Commissioners appointed fifteen (15) <br /> members to the BOCC Elections Advisory Group. The Board directed the Group to select Co- <br /> Chairs, with one individual from the District 1 electoral area of the county and one individual <br />