Minutes 04-07-2026-Business Meeting

Browse Search

48 Commissioner Bedford said having listening sessions tied to the project-based initiatives would make more sense. Commissioner Portie-Ascott said she wants to be available to hear from the public. She said she would like to get in front of controversial future issues to address community concerns. Commissioner Carter said she agrees with tying sessions to specific topics as a pilot. Commissioner Greene asked what constituted a pilot, leading to discussion about the format. Commissioner Carter suggested that two commissioners could lead each session. Chair Hamilton proposed that there be three pilot sessions so that each commissioner has a chance to participate. Commissioner Bedford distinguished between two purposes: rebuilding trust/community availability versus communicating information and gathering input. She said she preferred staff-led topic- specific sessions while commissioners maintain community relationships through other venues like organizational meetings and community events. The discussion revealed complexity around meeting notice requirements when multiple commissioners attend, with Clerk to the Board Laura Jensen noting that four or more commissioners conducting county business would trigger open meetings law requirements, including advanced notice, minutes, and agendas. Commissioner McKee emphasized keeping sessions informal, though acknowledged formal requirements if multiple commissioners attended. Chair Hamilton proposed returning to this discussion after further consideration, moving forward with project-based stakeholder groups and periodic board updates while thinking more carefully about listening session formats and goals. Commissioner Carter asked when they would return to the topic. Chair Hamilton indicated that the chair and vice chair would review the schedule during their regular meeting reviews. c.Americans with Disabilities Act(ADA)and Orange County's Online Content The Board received a report on the changes to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines and how they will impact County business. BACKGROUND: The 2024 update to the Americans with Disabilities Act sets a new standard for making government websites and digital services accessible by requiring compliance with WCAG 2.1 Level AA. Essentially, this means Orange County's online content (websites, forms, PDFs, and service portals) must be easier to see, use, and understand for people with disabilities, especially visual and hearing disabilities. The update puts more focus on mobile access, clearer navigation, and making sure all users can complete tasks without barriers. For Orange County, this will require reviewing and fixing existing content, building accessibility into new projects, and ensuring staff and vendors follow these standards going forward. Jurisdictions of Orange County's size need to meet these requirements by April 24, 2026. Paul Slack, Chief Civil Rights Officer, made the following presentation: