The Board of Supervisors oversees and appoints residents to approximately seventy-five (75) advisory boards, commissions, and committees (bodies). These advisory bodies serve numerous governmental functions, some mandatory and others discretionary. In 2012, the Board of Supervisors adopted a regular, ongoing sunset review process, formalized by Resolution No. 2012/261. Resolution No. 2012/261 was designed to ensure that every three years each advisory body is reviewed for compliance with a variety of policies.
Since the Triennial Review process was installed in 2012, two full rounds of review have been completed. The publishing of this Phase 1, Cycle 3 report, marks the beginning of the third round of the Triennial Review. This report represents the findings of the third round of Triennial Sunset Reviews for advisory bodies included in Phase I.
Summary of Cycle 3 Triennial Review Phases
| Phase |
Completion Date |
Number of Bodies Included |
| 1 |
2021 |
14 |
| 2 |
2022 |
27 |
| 3 |
2023 |
17 |
| Excluded |
17 |
| Total Boards Listed in Maddy Book |
75 |
A list of the seventeen (17) excluded bodies is below. Most excluded bodies were not reviewed due to full governing independence from the County, such as the East Bay Regional Park District’s own Parks Advisory Committee. A rationale is noted if the body is not independent and/or is not explicitly explained in Resolution 2012/261. In those cases, the body was either an ad hoc (temporary) body or was not a true “Maddy” body. A body that is indicated below as “Not Maddy” is a body to which the Board of Supervisors does not make appointments, but is listed in the Boards & Commissions Database (Maddy Book) to improve public awareness and access to the body’s meetings.
| Bodies Excluded from Triennial Review Cycle 3 |
Rationale |
| 1 |
Ad Hoc Census Committee |
ad hoc |
| 2 |
Assessment Appeals Board |
|
| 3 |
Community Advisory Board (CAB) on Public Safety Realignment |
Not Maddy |
| 4 |
Community Corrections Partnership |
|
| 5 |
Community Corrections Partnership - Executive Committee |
|
| 6 |
Contra Costa County Employees Retirement Association |
|
| 7 |
Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) Citizens Advisory Committee |
|
| 8 |
CCTA Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee |
|
| 9 |
County Connection Citizens Advisory Committee |
|
| 10 |
Countywide Redevelopment Oversight Board |
|
| 11 |
Developmental Disabilities Council |
Not Maddy |
| 12 |
East Bay Regional Park District Park Advisory Committee |
|
| 13 |
Housing Authority |
|
| 14 |
Mosquito & Vector Control District Board of Trustees |
|
| 15 |
Regional Measure 3 Independent Oversight Committee |
|
| 16 |
Tri-Delta Transit Authority Board of Directors |
|
| 17 |
Western Contra Costa Transit Authority Board of Directors |
|
List of Advisory Bodies in Phase I
Fourteen (14) committees are included in Phase I, which was last completed in 2015. The fourteen advisory bodies are divided between four mandatory commissions and ten discretionary commissions.
Mandatory Commissions or Committees
Mandatory commissions include those required under state or federal law. The following four advisory councils, committees, and commissions are considered mandatory and must be operated.
- Advisory Council on Aging (ACOA)
- Countywide Bicycle Advisory Committee
- Economic Opportunity Council
- Hazardous Materials Commission
Discretionary Commissions or Committees
Discretionary commissions are created by the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors on a voluntary basis. Many discretionary bodies were created to address community needs and solicit further resident engagement. A total of six (6) discretionary bodies were reviewed in this phase:
- Agricultural Advisory Task Force Committee
- Alcohol and Other Drugs Advisory Board
- Arts and Culture Commission of Contra Costa County
- Aviation Advisory Committee
- Commission for Women
- Emergency Medical Care Committee
- Historical Landmarks Advisory Committee
- Integrated Pest Management Advisory Committee
- Library Commission
- Sustainability Commission
Summary of Findings for Phase I
Staff to bodies included in Phase I were asked to complete a survey, which was reviewed and signed by the advisory body Chairperson. Staff from the Clerk of the Board then reviewed the materials and surveys submitted by the advisory body staff and chairs. In addition to the survey materials, Clerk of the Board staff also went online to confirm whether the bodies are posting agendas online and to review the contents of the agendas for compliance with several additional policies, such as including information about disability access and access to supplemental materials and materials submitted after the posting deadline, and opportunities for public comment. The Clerk of the Board also reviewed the agendas for whether the agenda descriptions were adequate for a layperson or outsider to understand what would be discussed at the meeting.
Unless highlighted in the recommendations, no changes to bylaws, membership requirements, or seat structure are recommended for committees. This report includes a description of advisory bodies in the Phase I review, along with a summary of comments or recommendations from the Clerk of the Board and the County Administrator’s Office.
Mandatory Bodies
Advisory Council on Aging (ACOA)
The Contra Costa County Advisory Council on Aging (ACOA) advises the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) in all matters related to the development and administration of senior programs in accordance with the mandates of the Older Americans Act. The ACOA also advises the AAA, the Aging and Adult Services Bureau of the Contra Costa County Employment and Human Services Department, and the Board of Supervisors on the Fourth-Year Area Plan which is based on the unmet needs and priorities of older persons as determined by surveys of local committees and coalitions on aging, and results of public hearings. The ACOA provides a means for countywide planning, cooperation and coordination for individuals and groups interested in improving and developing services and opportunities for the older residents of Contra Costa County. The ACOA also provides leadership and advocacy on behalf of older persons and serves as a channel of communication and information on aging.
Staff Comments/Recommendations
Staff has reviewed the Advisory Council on Aging’s Triennial Review submission and does not currently suggest any changes to the ACOA’s bylaws or operations.
Countywide Bicycle Advisory Committee
The Countywide Bicycle Advisory Committee provides input to Contra Costa County and the cities in the County on the use of Transportation Development Act funds to construct bicycle and pedestrian projects. The Bicycle Advisory Committee also provides advice to the cities and the County on bicycle and pedestrian planning matters.
Staff Comments/Recommendations
Staff for the Clerk of the Board’s Office recommends minor changes to the current agendas to ensure that they include information about disability access and how the public can access materials provided after publication. Additionally, staff recommends that the agendas be posted to the County website under the “AgendaCenter” section to comply with Resolution 2020/1.
Economic Opportunity Council
The Economic Opportunity Council (EOC) is responsible for ensuring that the Community Action Agency assesses and responds to the causes and conditions of poverty in the community, achieve anticipated family and community outcomes, and remain administratively and fiscally sound.
Staff Comments/Recommendations
The EOC notes that offering skills training for EOC members would be beneficial, given their varying levels of technical skills in regard to writing reports and using software programs. Staff for the Clerk of the Board’s Office does not currently suggest any changes to the EOC’s bylaws or operations.
Hazardous Materials Commission
The Hazardous Materials Commission (HMC) is charged with developing overall policy recommendations for hazardous materials and wastes and advising the Board of Supervisors, local elected officials, and county and city staff.
Staff Comments/Recommendations
Staff for the Clerk of the Board’s Office recommends that, in addition to publishing agendas at a physical location and on the Contra Costa Health Services website, the HMC should publish agendas on the County website under the “AgendaCenter” to comply with Resolution 2020/1. Staff does not recommend any other changes to the operations or bylaws of the Hazardous Materials Commission at this time.
Discretionary Bodies
Agricultural Advisory Task Force Committee
The Agricultural Advisory Task Force Committee was created to advise and provide recommendations to the Board of Supervisors on matters that relate to preserving and promoting agriculture in Contra Costa County. The Agricultural Advisory Task Force was originally established on March 25, 1991 to advise the Board on agricultural and open space issues but ceased to be an active committee. Then, on March 28, 2000, the Board authorized the re-establishment of the Agricultural Advisory Task Force and directed the Community Development Department to develop guidelines and to establish a process for recruiting and seating new members. However, in recent years, the advisory body has held no meetings. In 2016, efforts were made to revitalize the group and establish bylaws but progress was stalled due, in part, to staff turnover.
Staff Comments/Recommendations
The status of the Agricultural Advisory Task Force Committee was last discussed at the November 9, 2017 meeting of the Internal Operations Committee, where further actions to reconstitute the task force were suspended. Since that time, a new Agriculture Commissioner has been appointed and has now been charged with reviewing the necessity of the Agricultural Advisory Task Force. The County Administrator’s Office has asked the Commissioner to determine by the end of Fiscal Year 2021-22 (June 30, 2022) whether to abolish or reinstate the Task Force.
Alcohol and Other Drugs Advisory Board
The mission of the Alcohol and Other Drugs Advisory Board (AODAB) is to assess family and community needs regarding prevention and treatment for alcohol and other drug related problems. Resultant findings and recommendations are forwarded to the Health Services Department and the Board of Supervisors. The objective of the AODAB is to develop an effective, concerted, and countywide campaign to reduce alcohol and other drug abuse through an organized program of education, prevention, treatment, and control.
Staff Comments/Recommendations
As a result of the previous Triennial Review of the AODAB, the Board of Supervisors directed that the bylaws of the advisory body be updated. The resulting changes helped to better define the role of the Executive Committee, streamline its organizational structure, and reduce County staff time in supporting the AODAB. The number of committees was also reduced from 4 to 3, to redistribute functions and reduce meeting frequency. These changes were approved on July 10, 2018. Additionally, on December 8, 2020 the Board of Supervisors approved a change to the body’s objectives to emphasize the advocacy role of the AODAB and its reliance on subject matter experts in the field of substance use in order to make recommendations.
Staff to the AODAB report that while the advisory body now continues to be able to muster quorum consistently and fulfill its duties, the waiting period for the appointment of new members is a lengthy process. The AODAB also notes in its Triennial Review submission that advocacy efforts have not yielded many results due to lack of resources.
Staff for the Clerk of the Board’s Office recommends a minor change to the meeting agendas. The agendas should be modified to include information about how the public can access meeting materials provided after publication.
Arts and Culture Commission of Contra Costa County
The purpose of the Arts and Culture Commission of Contra Costa County (AC5) is to advise the Board of Supervisors in matters and issues relevant to Arts and Culture. The AC5 seeks to advance the arts in a way that promotes communication, education, appreciation, and collaboration throughout Contra Costa County, as well as to preserve, celebrate, and share the arts and culture of the many diverse ethnic groups who live in Contra Costa County. They aim to create partnerships with business and government, and to increase communication and understanding between all citizens through art. Broadly, the Commission strives to promote arts and culture as a vital element in the quality of life for all of the citizens of Contra Costa County.
Staff Comments/Recommendations
The Board of Supervisors recently approved updates to the Arts and Culture Commission’s bylaws that added two Youth Advisor seats. Staff does not currently suggest any changes to the AC5’s bylaws or operations.
Aviation Advisory Committee
The purpose of the Aviation Advisory Committee (AAC) is to provide advice and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors on aviation issues that are: (i) related to the economic viability and security of airports in CCC, and (ii) affect the general welfare of people living and working near the Airports and in the broader community. The AAC may conduct public discussions and hear comments on airport and aviation interests relative to the safe and orderly operation of airports in order to formulate the recommendations it makes to the Board. The AAC may conduct discussions with local, state, and national aviation interests relative to the safe and orderly operation of airports in order to formulate the recommendation it makes to the Board. At the request of the Director of Airports, the AAC shall provide the Director of Airports a forum within which to discuss policy matters affecting the County's Airports.
Staff Comments/Recommendations
Staff for the Clerk of the Board’s Office staff recommends some minor changes to the current agendas in order to ensure that they include information about disability access and how the public can access materials provided after publication. Staff does not recommend any other changes to the operations or bylaws of the Aviation Advisory Committee at this time.
Commission for Women and Girls
The Contra Costa Commission for Women and Girls (CCCWG) provides information and advice to the Board of Supervisors and other entities, as necessary, relating to the health and welfare of women and girls in the county. The CCCWG strives to increase awareness of women’s and girl’s issues, celebrate the achievements of local deserving women, champion opportunities for women and girls, and recommend legislative solutions at the city, county, state, and federal levels. Areas of focus include, but are not limited to, socio-economic conditions, workplace issues, social treatment of gender issues, and health and safety for women and girls.
Staff Comments/Recommendations
The CCCWG has worked with county staff and the Internal Operations Committee to implement suggested changes and address a number of issues that were identified in the previous Triennial Review. Changes included an update to the bylaws to provide more clarity on the CCCWG’s mission and the responsibilities of its members, an increase in the term length from three years to four years, and the establishment of new fixed and staggered expiration dates of terms. The CCCWG’s Triennial Review Submission notes that while the advisory body has experienced high vacancy rates, difficulty filling seats, high member turnover, and difficulty achieving a quorum, recent changes appear to be helping. The CCCWG continues to actively work with county staff and the Family and Human Services Committee. The Commission appears to be committed to proceeding with changes and actively improving its membership and turnover rates.
Emergency Medical Care Committee
The Emergency Medical Care Committee acts in an advisory capacity to the Board of Supervisors, the Local Emergency Medical Services Agency, and the County Health Services Director on matters relating to emergency medical services.
Staff Comments/Recommendations
Staff has reviewed the Emergency Medical Care Commission’s Triennial Review submission and does not currently suggest any changes to its bylaws or operations.
Historical Landmarks Advisory Committee
The purpose of the Contra Costa County Historical Landmarks Advisory Committee (HLAC) is to advise the Board of Supervisors on matters relating to the identification and preservation of historical resources within the County, including identifying eligible sites and places to be listed in the County's Historic Resources Inventory (HRI).
Staff Comments/Recommendations
The Historical Landmarks Advisory Committee’s Triennial Review submission notes that there is no funding for the body, making it difficult to carry out its goals, especially in regard to its primary function of maintaining the HRI. Additionally, the cost burden for property owners and the time-consuming application process discourages the rehabilitation and reuse of historic buildings/properties. To address these issues, the HLAC recommended that the Board of Supervisors reduce the application deposit amount from $1,000 to $500 to nominate potential historical resources for designation to the HRI. This change was implemented by the Board of Supervisors on December 17, 2019 and is current in the county’s Land Development Fee Schedule. The HLAC is currently drafting a recommendation regarding a Historic Preservation Ordinance which would include the criteria for a reduction or waiver of fees for applications for HRI nomination based on economic hardship.
Staff for the Clerk of the Board’s Office notes that the HLAC and county staff could explore the possibility of developing bylaws for the body, and during this process could incorporate the HLAC’s recommendation of expanding the body’s focus to include the Delta National Heritage Area in order to promote a more regional and overall statewide integration of historical and cultural resources relevant to unincorporated Contra Costa County.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Advisory Committee
The Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Advisory Committee lists six purposes in their bylaws. At a high level, they seek to promote a coordinated Countywide effort to implement IPM in a manner that is consistent with the Board-adopted IPM Policy. Broadly, they serve as a resource to help Department Heads and the Board of Supervisors review and improve existing pest management programs and the processes for making pest management decisions. Additionally, they make policy recommendations upon assessment of current pest issues and evaluation of possible IPM solutions.
As a result of the last cycle of Triennial Review, an advisory board that had a dedicated seat on the IPM Advisory Council was abolished. In November 2016, the Board of Supervisors abolished the Public and Environmental Health Advisory Board (PEHAB) as part of the Phase I Triennial Advisory Body Review. The abolishment of PEHAB left in question the disposition of the PEHAB seat on the IPM Advisory Committee. Ultimately, the seat was retained as a voting seat, and was designated to be a seat for a nominated member of the Sustainability Commission. The new bylaws were reviewed in the Internal Operations Subcommittee in November 2017 and were approved by the Board of Supervisors on December 5, 2017.
Staff Comments/Recommendations
The IPM Committee notes in its Triennial Review submission that they would like to “explore expanding the Committees’ purpose to more broadly include the ecological stewardship of County properties” stating that “an expanded focus on ecological stewardship would help set many of these sites on a regenerative trajectory beyond the consideration of problematic pest populations”. Staff to the IPM Committee also suggested exploring the feasibility of exchanging the two existing staff-voting positions for two public member seats on the Committee. Staff for the Clerk of the Board’s Office has reviewed IPM Advisory Committee’s Triennial Review submission and does not currently suggest any changes to its bylaws or operations.
Library Commission
The Contra Costa County Library Commission was originally established in March 1991 for a two-year period and has been reauthorized by both the Board of Supervisors and the Mayors Conference for continuance. The original purpose and responsibility of the Commission includes include five parts: 1) To serve in an advisory capacity to the Board of Supervisors and the County Librarian; 2) To provide community linkage to the County Library; 3) To establish a forum for the community to express its views regarding the goals and operations of the County Library; 4) To assist the Board of Supervisors and the County Librarian to provide library services based on assessed public need; and 5) To develop and recommend proposals to the Board of Supervisors and the County Librarian for the betterment of the County Library including, but not limited to, such efforts as insuring a stable and adequate funding level for the libraries in the County.
Staff Comments/Recommendations
The Library Commission notes in its Triennial Review submission that they have faced several challenges in terms of funding. They note that “other critical county funding priorities has [sic] precluded the county from being able to increase funding for the [L]ibrary as detailed in the Library Commission’s July 2016 report, ‘Promoting Excellence in Library Service for Contra Costa County’” and also point out that “while most branch libraries have a Friends organization which raise[s] funds to improve library services” there is no coordinating “Friends” organization or a countywide foundation. Other challenges noted include the inability to reduce the voter threshold to pass library construction bond measures and the inability of the state budget to receive an augmentation for literacy and other programs. The Commission provides several recommendations to consider, including increasing grant applications, reactivating a countywide Friends council, and hiring a professional consulting service to secure private gifts and bequests to support Library programs and services.
Staff for the Clerk of the Board’s Office recommend that, in addition to posting agendas on the Library website, the Library Commission should post agendas to the county website under the “AgendaCenter” section to comply with Resolution 2020/1.
Sustainability Commission
The Sustainability Commission was officially established November 15, 2016 to carry out three categories of responsibilities. First, the commission provides advice to staff and the Board on successful implementation of the Climate Action Plan, including suggestions on how that work can be performed more efficiently and effectively. Second, the Commission advises the Board on opportunities to realize equity and fairness across the diverse communities of Contra Costa County in sustainability programs that support the Climate Action Plan. Third, the Commission provides suggestions to staff and the Board on how to better engage Contra Costa County residents and businesses on sustainability issues and implementation of the Climate Action Plan.
Staff Comments/Recommendations
Staff does not recommend any changes to the operations or bylaws of the Sustainability Commission at this time