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AD HOC COMMITTEE ON BOARD OF SUPERVISORS COMPENSATION

Meeting Date:	02/05/2019
Subject: Ralph M. Brown Act and The County's Better Government Ordinance
Submitted For:	Ad Hoc Committee On BOS Compensation
Department:	County Administrator
Referral No.:	12/18/18 C.93
Referral Name:	Ad Hoc Committee on Board of Supervisors Compensation
Presenter:	David Twa	Contact:	David Twa (925) 335-1080

Information

Referral History:

The Ad Hoc Committee on Board of Supervisors Compensation is a public body that conducts public meetings. As such, its members are required to comply with the provisions of the Brown Act and the County's Better Government Ordinance (BGO).

The Ralph M. Brown Act was an act of the California State Legislature, authored by assembly member Ralph M. Brown and passed in 1953, that guaranteed the public’s right to attend and participate in meetings of local legislative bodies. The Brown Act was enacted in response to mounting public concerns over informal, undisclosed meetings held by local elected officials who were avoiding public scrutiny by holding secret "workshops" and "study sessions." The Brown Act solely applies to California city and county government agencies, boards, and councils.

The BGO is a local law enacted by the Board of Supervisors that applies specifically to Contra Costa County government. Committee members and County staff are required to operate within its guidelines. The Ordinance mandates a higher level of transparency and availability of information to the public than does the Brown Act.

Referral Update:

A summary of the Brown Act and Better Government Ordinance along with selected provisions is attached hereto. In addition, a video presentation of the Brown Act and the County Better Government Ordinance as they apply to this Committee is available on the County's website at:
http://contra-costa.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?publish_id=a095afa0-d332-11e4-b5ce-00219ba2f017

Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):

REVIEW applicable provisions of the Ralph M. Brown Act and the County's Better Government Ordinance.

Attachments
Summary of Open Meeting Requirements
Key Provisions of Brown Act and BGO