Contra Costa Board of Supervisors Observer Reports (2023)

Contra Costa Board of Supervisors Observer Reports (2023)

Type: 
News

____________________________________________ 

Board Meeting - 8/15/23

LWV Observer Name: Mary Schreiber 
Date Observed:  8/15/23
Agenda Link:  Agenda 
Scheduled Start Time:    9 AM      Did the meeting start on time?  Yes, went into closed session until approximately 10 AM

Number of Members: 5               All Present?  Yes       

Procedural Issues:
Meets Brown Act Requirements:
  • Agenda was posted 72 hours in advance?     Yes     On-Line:  Yes 
  • Agenda clearly stated items to be discussed?  Yes
  • Provided background information to the public via links in the agenda or otherwise? Yes
  • Maintained civil conduct: attentive, courteous and open to varied opinions? Yes
  • Provided adequate time for public input? Yes, 2 minutes per public comment opportunity up to 10 minutes per individual per meeting. 
  • Appeared members were prepared? Yes
  • Appeared that an action item, not put on agenda for closed session, was discussed in closed session vs. in public session?     No                    
  • Discussed any controversial topic?   No           
  • Took any unusual action?    No
  • Unacceptable behavior?  No
Substantive Issues relevant to League program priorities at any level:        
  • Making Democracy Work: Civic Ed., Redistricting
  • Climate Change, including water issues
  • Housing and/or Homelessness
  • Criminal Justice Reform
  • Health Care
  • Civil Discourse
  • Social Safety Net 
  • DEI

From Closed Session: By unanimous vote, with all Supervisors present, the Board voted to join in amicus brief in the matter of the United States v. State of Idaho Case No. 1:22-ccv-00329-BLW regarding Medi-Cal funding and the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, 42 U.S.C.§1395dd.

Presentation: August as Child Support Month

Discussion Items:

D.1. Hearing to consider adopting Resolution 2023/527 approving the Lima/Luna land reconstruction project located at 6300 Old School Road in the Tassajara Valley area. Adopted 5-0.

D.2. Consider the recommendations of Historical Landmarks Advisory Committee (HLAC) to prepare a historic preservation ordinance for the County and provide direction. 

Directed staff to further analyze a proposed ordinance and present options to Board.

D.3.  Consider accepting report on proposed public outreach and engagement during the public review and comment period for the Draft Contra Costa County 2045 General Plan and the Draft Contra Costa County Climate Plan-2024 update. Approved 5-0. 

D.4. Accept report from the Employment and Human Services Director and provide guidance regarding waiving of income for Guaranteed Income Pilot programs for individuals residing in Contra Costa County. 

Marla Stuart gave presentation on Universal Basic Income (UBI) and Guaranteed Income (GI).

Currently in Contra Costa County GI Initiatives:
  • Contra Costa GI Working Group 
  • Childcare Workforce Project (First Five)
  • Elevate Concord (Monument Impact)
  • Richmond Rapid Response Fund (R3F)
  • SF Human Services Agency 

Income Waivers for Public Assistance allow income to be disregarded or waived for assistance program eligibility. 

Contra Costa County requested waiver: SF Human Services Agency 

Expected requests for waivers: Monument Impact Family Equity Pilot, Richmond Rapid Response Fund (R3F)

Public Comment from Director at First Five, former Executive Director of Monument Impact, in the Board Chambers. Marianna Moore, Ensuring Opportunity Campaign and Jessica Travenia, R3F; Rubicon Programs in Alameda.

Provided direction to seek waivers passed 5-0. 

D.5. Receive monthly update on the activities and oversight of the County Head Start program. 

Did the agency promote rules publicly and enforce them? Yes
____________________________________________ 

Board Meeting - 5/9/23

LWV Observer Name: Mary Schreiber 
Date Observed:  5/9/23
Agenda Link:  Agenda 
Scheduled Start Time:    9 AM      Did the meeting start on time?  Yes, went into closed session until approximately 9:30 AM

Number of Members:  5    All Present? Yes. SupervisorBurgis was a few minutes late.

Procedural Issues:
Meets Brown Act Requirements:
  • Agenda was posted 72 hours in advance?     Yes     On-Line:  Yes 
  • Agenda clearly stated items to be discussed?  Yes
  • Provided background information to the public via links in the agenda or otherwise? Yes
  • Maintained civil conduct: attentive, courteous and open to varied opinions? Yes
  • Provided adequate time for public input? Yes, 2 minutes public commenter per item up to 10 minutes per individual. 
  • Appeared members were prepared?  Yes                     

Substantive Issues relevant to League program priorities:        
  • Making Democracy Work: Civic Ed., Redistricting
  • Climate Change, including water issues: D.4. Habitat Conservation 
  • Housing and/or Homelessness: D.1 AT HOME plan, D.7. Affordable Housing Committee recommendations 
  • Social Safety Net: D.1. At HOME plan
  • DEI: D.2. Civil Grand Jury 

Notes/Comments: Asian-American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islands Celebration: 9:30-10:30 am

Supervisor Report:

Public Health Update on the 5/8/23 Mercury spill in Martinez. Approximately one pound of mercury was spilled at the Amtrak station. Martinez PD and the County Health Department responded. Currently Amtrak is using the old train station.

Residents who have been in the area are advised to check their shoes and lower clothing (ie, pants) for signs of contamination.  If that may have occurred people are advised to bag to items, seal the bag, bag again and place outside.  Do not attempt to clean or wash items. Contact Health Department and an inspector will come out. The potential risk to the public is contaminated air. Currently the measured amount in the air is well below harmful levels.

Martinez PD is investigating the source of the contamination. 

Presentations
  • Resolution proclaiming May 2023 as Affordable Housing Month in Contra Costa County. 
  • Resolution proclaiming May 2023 as Foster Care Month in Contra Costa County. 
  • D.1. Consider adopting Resolution 2023/161 supporting the California Association of Counties "AT HOME" plan, a statewide plan and system to address Homelessness effectively and equitably as recommended by Supervisors Gioia and Burgis. 
  • D.8. Hearing on the appeal of the Notice to Abate a public nuisance on property at 1970 Taylor Road, Bethel Island. 
    • Jason Crapo, County Resource and Development, reported on the status of the property. There was a  Notice and Order to Abate on April 6, 2023 and an Appeal of Notice and Order to Abate on April 16, 2023.
    • After the presentations and much discussion about the property and the type of assistance the will be provided to the tenants, the Supervisors voted to deny the appeal. 
  • D.3. Continued and will be rescheduled. This the topic of healthy food options in retail stores in unincorporated areas of the County. People present in the boardroom were allowed to make comments. 

  • D.2. Follow up on the Contra Costa Civil Grand Jury, including stipends and outreach effort. There was discussion about increasing the per diem rate. There was focus on developing better outreach in order to make the Civil Grand Jury more reflective of the community. Supervisor Gioia asked for follow-up on State law and best practices to improve equity.  The Equity committee will also review. Report accepted unanimously. 

  • D.4. Hearing to consider the 2022 East County Habitat Conservation Plan/Natural Community Conservation Plan Mitigation Fee Audit and Ordinance 2023-10 updating Mitigation fees imposed to implement CHCP AND NCCP. Item passed unanimously. 

  • D.5. and D.6. Hearing on recovery of abatement costs. Both passed unanimously. 

  • D.7. Consider approving the Affordable Housing Finance Committee FY 2023/24 recommendations for the Allocation of $960,000 in Inclusionary Housing Ordinance In-lieu funds, $6,500,000 in Measure X funds $3,119,351 in State Local Housing Trust Funds.
    • More funding is available this year due to Measures X and ARPA funds.
    • The full report on Measure X funds will be made in June.
Did the agency promote rules publicly and enforce them? Supervisor Gioia enforced the rule limiting individual public speakers to 10 minutes total per person. This has not been done in the past. There is one public caller who consistently calls in multiple times at each meeting to make public comments.  
____________________________________________ 

Special Budget Meeting - 4/25/23

LWV Observer Name: Janet Hoy
Scheduled Start Time:    9:00am     Did the meeting start on time? Yes
Number of Members:     5               All Present?  Yes 

Total Attendees:  5

Procedural Issues:
Meets Brown Act Requirements:
  • Agenda was posted 72 hours in advance?   yes        
  • Agenda clearly stated items to be discussed? yes
  • Provided background information to the public via links in the agenda or otherwise? yes
  • Maintained civil conduct: attentive, courteous and open to varied opinions? yes
  • Provided adequate time for public input? yes
  • Appeared members were prepared? yes
  • Appeared that an action item, not put on agenda for closed session, was discussed in closed session vs. in public session?   no                           
  • Discussed any controversial topic?    Budget was focus.                           
  • Took any unusual action?  Yes     Action: Added funding to address Antioch Police misconduct.
  • Unacceptable behavior?  no
Substantive Issues relevant to League program priorities:       
  • Housing and/or Homelessness
  • Social Safety Net  
  • DEI: significant focus on equity in budget presentations
Notes/Comments:

Presentations by department heads reviewing budget submissions:

Library:
  • Not supported by general fund - property tax and city funded
  • 26 branches - City of Richmond separate.
  • 228 FTE’s- $31M budget
  • Discussion re: proposed Bay Point Library- most underserved area in county. Measure X $50k grant and $10m of capital funding
  • Need to expand East County library hours in underserved areas (equity issue)
  • Overall goal to bring parity to library services
Clerk/Recorder/Registrar (and Elections Dept): Kristin Connelly
  • Outreach for CA High School Voter Ed Week
  • 160 polling places for 2023 primary election
  • QR code for Voter Information Guide
  • Discussion of security issues: Burgis wants budget for election staff security
  • CCC not a Voter Choice County
  • Question: “Do we need a precinct system?”  Gioia: Need an analysis of Voter Choice costs vs. cost of maintaining precinct system. 
  • Recent stats- 50% voters use drop boxes and 50% use mail
Health Services: Anna Roth
  • Three primary areas: direct health services, health coverage, prevention and protection
  • Serve 1 out of 2 people in CCC
  • 71% of those served are POC. 69% of staff are local
  • CalAIM: single unified Medicaid system- seamless and streamlined
  • CCHP will be only health plan in CCC 1/1/24
  • 35k Anthem members will move into CCHP
  • 1/24 MediCal expands to all ages who are income eligible regardless of immigration status 
Public Works
  • 570 FTE’s
  • Vacancy rate of 19.8%
DA and Public Defender
  • Proposed additional funds - $2.3m to respond with the Antioch police misconduct and other racial justice work
  • Monies from contingency budget
  •  Reduction in funds for Fire District
Employee and Health Services: Marla Stuart
  • $636m budget, 1900 FTE’s
  • Poverty clustered in North and East County
  • 73 languages spoken
  • Difficulty hiring navigators for senior program
  • Gioia: wants update on how Measure X dollars are being spent
Public Comment
  • Many asking for funding for AA Holistic Wellness Hub (granted)
  • Many asked for list of priorities by BJC. 
  • 2 asked for monies for animal welfare services

____________________________________________ 

Special Budget Meeting - 4/24/23

LWV Observer Name: Mary Schreiber
Agenda (Special Budget Hearings)
Scheduled Start Time:  9 AM   Did the meeting start on time? Yes, started at 9:10 AM and ended at 6:10 PM on 4/24/23; started at 9:05 AM and ended at approximately 7:40 PM on 4/25/23

Number of Members:   5        All Present?   Yes    

Procedural Issues:
Meets Brown Act Requirements:
  • Agenda was posted 72 hours in advance?   Yes   On-Line: Yes 
  • Agenda clearly stated items to be discussed? Yes
  • Provided background information to the public via links in the agenda or otherwise? Yes, Links to digital budget report and department reports in the agenda
  • Maintained civil conduct: attentive, courteous and open to varied opinions? Yes
  • Provided adequate time for public input? Yes, three minutes per person allowed for comments both days after all the department budget presentations
  • Appeared members were prepared? Yes
  • Appeared that an action item, not put on agenda for closed session, was discussed in closed session vs. in public? No
Notes 4/24/23: 
D.1. Sheriff's oversight report for quarter ending March 31, 2023

Sheriff Livingston stated that all deputies receive eight hours of de escalation training which he says is adequate. There is also implicit bias training. 

Supervisor Gioia asked for data on mental health as requested by the Health Commission. Supervisor Andersen responded that that information is not available in the format requested. Sheriff Livingston estimated that 40% of individuals in custody have mental health diagnoses. Supervisor Gioia requested as much information as possible on mental health for the next report. He stated that the goal is for A3 to respond to more calls.

Supervisor Glover asked for more information about A3. Sheriff Livingston responded that the A3 response is very limited with Sheriff deputies responding to 95% of the 5150 calls.

Supervisor Burgis spoke and asked questions about the range of mental health situations that require Sheriff intervention. 

Supervisor Glover asked if any investigation is taking place in light of the current issue of racist texts in the Antioch Police Department. 

D. 2. Budget Presentations for April 24, 2023
  • County Administrator's Office
  • Sheriff-Coroner 
  • District Attorney 
  • Probation 
  • Public Defender 
  • Contra Costa Fire Protection District 
  • Crockett-Caroline Fire Protection District 
  • Animal Services 
NOTES

There is a new digital budget book format optimized for online viewing. It includes expanded information in a more easily accessible format. 

Supervisors had several questions for the District Attorney regarding the impact of the Antioch PD review and the Racial Justice Act. 

Probation department changes include the launch of case management system and realignment of the Juvenile Justice program. 

Public Defender challenges include racial disparities, expanded police misconduct and racial justice litigation, increase in deportation hearings resulting in a 141 person wait list for Stand Together Contra Costa legal services, and new unfunded mandates. There is a new Federal Immigration Court opening in Concord this year that will have 20 judges.

Supervisors had several questions about benefits of having County resources through Measure X to provide legal services for people in Immigration Court. 

Supervisor Andersen questioned whether other nonprofits should be providing services instead of the County as there is not a mandate to provide immigration legal services except for individuals already represented for criminal matters. Supervisor Gioia commented that there are different opinions but he sees value in using County resources to keep community members here and families together. Supervisor Carlson asked about when the County was notified about the Immigration Court and expressed anger that it is located in the Monument community, created fear among residents. 

Public Comment: Many callers spoke in support of Stand Together Contra Costa immigrant legal services. Several callers spoke requesting more funding for animal services. 

From discussion 4/25/23 after department presentations and public comment completed:

Budget enhancement requests from departments. Additional funding will need to be found.

Antioch Police misconduct related work and under the Racial Justice Act AB 256 and SB 775 which expanded Felony Murder Petitions.
  • Currently an unfunded state mandate. There is an increase in workload for both departments but we don't know how much increased funding will be needed. 
  • District Attorney: has been working with Federal DOJ. Text messages reveal systematic problem in Antioch PD. This is urgent and cannot wait until Federal case is adjudicated. 
  • Public Defender: they have clients languishing in jail and action needs to be taken now. 
  • Supervisor Andersen asked questions about whether the federal case needs to be resolved before cases affected by Antioch PD need to be examined. 
  • Supervisor Glover said he is ashamed of the police officers but also ashamed of the system that allowed this to continue for years.
  • Supervisor Carlsen said there is a way to get a rough idea of how many cases are affected.
  • Supervisor Gioia said we must take responsibility and act now to change this system. District Attorney and Public Defender are on the same page on how this must be handled. As Public Defender has said, there are people in jail now because of arrests made by the officers under investigation. These cases must be investigated now and not postponed.
County Budget Administrator on funding sources: 
  • Recommended budget is balanced. Funds could be taken from contingency funds. Another source is Measure X which is already allocated.
  • District Attorney has 32 vacancies currently, including six attorneys. Will need funding for additional positions to do work required. Similar for Public Defenders Office. Open positions need to be filled to do current work. Additional positions needed.
  • Adam Nguyen, Deputy Administrator for Finance, can move existing funds to cover the needed positions. Contingency reserve funds can be used also which would be used only when needed.
  • Motion made to authorize up to $2,316,000 from contingency reserves to create positions in District Attorney and Public Defenders offices.
Stand Together Contra Costa 
  • Public Defender requesting $829,000 funding. Originally requested from MXCAB.
  • Supervisor Gioia supports this funding. 
  • Supervisors Burgis and Andersen concerned about process for allocation of Measure X funds. Supervisor Andersen has repeatedly expressed concern about the County funding legal assistance for immigrants through the Public Defender's office instead of through nonprofits. 
  • Supervisor Carlson in support of funding this program. Supervisor Glover in favor but concerned about the proposal for the African American Wholistic Health Center, which will be discussed next.
  • Supervisor Burgis will support funding Stand Together Contra Costa if outcomes are reported more completely to the Board of Supervisors. 

Contra Costa CARES

Allocations from Measure X, County Health Plan. Final enrollment numbers and expenditures will not be available for another two weeks. More information will be available in the final report. No further action today.

Emergency Rental Assistance 

Programs put in place last year when the emergency eviction ban ended. Measure X funds were used for housing related programs and services. 

African American Wholistic Wellness Center

Supervisor Glover has made request for funds for study of feasibility of this center. The current situation with the Antioch PD has had a devastating impact on the community and has raised the need for action. Supervisor Carlsen asked about process since he is new on the Board. NAMI Contra Costa submitted the initial request, focusing on Central and East County areas. Other partners would be involved. This will be a multi-year process. Measure X funds will be recommended by MXCAB when they make their final recommendations in May. Supervisor Gioia said the request is $80,000 for a feasibility study to identify needs for African-American people across the county with the goal to plan and identify funding for an African-American Wellness Center in the eastern part of the County with satellites in other parts of the County. This creates a placeholder in the budget outside of the Measure X Innovation Fund process. The BOS would further define the process. 

Throughout the discussion Supervisor Andersen was insistent that that this should be part of the Measure X Innovation Fund, which would take at least three more months. Supervisors Gioia, Glover, and Carlsen want this to move forward now. Gigi Crowder said it is important to have something now to start the healing process in the community. 

Guaranteed Income

Marla Stuart will bring forward a report on Guaranteed Income at a future meeting. 

Motion to accept the Budget Report with amendments approved unanimously.

Other: 
  • Throughout the discussion about additional allocations Supervisor Andersen and Supervisor Burgis repeatedly asked for more information about Measure X oversight. She is concerned that Measure X funds are not going to her district even though they pay a share of the tax.
  • There is an additional $5.5 million from Measure X to be allocated. Finance Committee will complete its evaluation in May and bring findings to the entire BOS.
  • Supervisor Gioia said the promise to voters was that the Measure X CAB would make recommendations and they would be followed. Supervisor Andersen said her constituents pay the most under Measure X but are not getting the benefits. Supervisors Glover and Gioia both said that refineries in their districts pay a large share of property taxes that are not distributed equally. 
  • The Board will consider the recommendations of MXCAB for the remaining funds in May.

 

____________________________________________ 

Board Meeting - 2/28/23

LWV Observer Name: Mary Schreiber
Scheduled Start Time:    9 AM      Did the meeting start on time?  Yes, went into closed session until approximately 9:30 AM

Number of Members:      5               All Present?     Yes      

Procedural Issues:
Meets Brown Act Requirements:
  • Agenda was posted 72 hours in advance?     Yes     On-Line:  Yes
  • Agenda clearly stated items to be discussed?  Yes
  • Provided background information to the public via links in the agenda or otherwise? Yes
  • Maintained civil conduct: attentive, courteous and open to varied opinions? Yes
  • Provided adequate time for public input?  Yes, see "Other" below regarding members of public in the Board chambers.
  • Appeared members were prepared? Yes
  • Appeared that an action item, not put on agenda for closed session, was discussed in closed session vs. in public session?   No    
  • Discussed any controversial topic?   No  
  • Took any unusual action?   No                          
  • Unacceptable behavior?  No
Substantive Issues relevant to League program:       
  • Making Democracy Work: Civic Ed., Redistricting
  • Climate Change, including water issues: D.2. Regarding public works including flood control
  • Social Safety Net: D.4
Presentations
  • PRESENTATION recognizing Black History Month. (Supervisors Gioia and Glover)
  • PRESENTATION proclaiming February 24th, 2023 as Day of Ukrainian Solidarity. (Supervisor Gioia)
  • PRESENTATION recognizing February 2023 as American Heart Month. (Supervisor Burgis)
  • C.15. Adopt resolution recognizing the Dean and Margaret Lesher foundation for their 15 years of support for library services at the Orrin Allen Youth Rehabilitation Facility at the direction of the County Librarian.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
  • D.1. Consider waiving the 180 day sit-out period for Diana Ramirez, Senior Real Property Technical Assistant.  Passed 5-0.
  • D.2. Receive presentation of the Public Works Department's Budget challenges in the Flood Control, Roads, and Special Districts programs.
  • D.3. Consider introducing Ordinance 2023-6 prohibiting commercial vehicles exceeding 20,000 lbs. on several residential roads in unincorporated North Richmond. Passed. There was a public comment that initiated some discussion about the being done for public health and safety. Passed 5-0.
  • D.4. Receive monthly update on Head Start Program.  Passed 5-0.
  • D.5. Receive update on Workforce development. Passed 5-0.
  • D.6. Consider accepting update 2023/65 approving successor Memorandum of Understanding between Contra Costa County and the Contra Costa Public Defenders' Association. Passed 5-0.
  • D.7. Hearing regarding the proposed implementation of the property tax recovery provision of Revenue and Taxation Code 95.3.
Did the agency promote rules publicly and enforce them? Yes

Any recommendations for local League action on issues or on behaviors observed?  No

Other: Discussion about C.1. Regarding banning parking on Stone Valley Road.
  • Members of the public were in the board chambers but did not know when they were supposed to comment. Chair Gioia apologized and stated that in the future members of the public with be notified in their language. The discussion was conducted with Spanish language translation.
  • Supervisor Andersen gave information and context about the issue. The school district requested ban because food trucks were parking across the street from a high school. Students are not supposed to leave school during the school day. The Public Works department determined that there is a safety issue with the food trucks being parked in that location.
  • Public speakers requested working to a solution that would allow them to remain working in the area. Their customers are mostly people who work in the area. They proposed not selling to students during school hours and stated they want to work with Supervisors for a responsible solution.
  • Supervisor Andersen proposed moving the food trucks to another location. Supervisor Gioia asked if Supervisor Andersen's office could work with Public Works to tailor the hours or other solutions.

____________________________________________ 

Board Meeting - 2/7/23

LWV Observer Name: Mary Schreiber
Date Observed:  2/7/23
Agenda Link:   Agenda
Scheduled Start Time:    9:00 am        Did the meeting start on time? Yes, then went into closed session for 30 minutes

Number of Members:    5               All Present?    Yes

Procedural Issues:
Meets Brown Act Requirements:
  • Agenda was posted 72 hours in advance?    Yes              On-Line:    Yes             
  • Agenda clearly stated items to be discussed?  Yes
  • Provided background information to the public via links in the agenda or otherwise?  Yes
  • Maintained civil conduct: attentive, courteous and open to varied opinions?  Yes
  • Provided adequate time for public input?  Yes, public comment 2 minutes per speaker
  • Appeared members were prepared?  Yes
  • Appeared that an action item, not put on agenda for closed session, was discussed in closed session vs. in public session?  No
  • Discussed any controversial topic?   No   
  • Took any unusual action?    No                                     
  • Unacceptable behavior?  No
Substantive Issues relevant to League program:       
  • Making Democracy Work: Presentation about Grand Jury Awareness Month
  • Climate Change, including water issues
  • Health Care: Presentation about African-American Mental Health Awareness week

Notes/Comments:

  • PRESENTATION proclaiming February 12-18, 2023 as African American Mental Health Awareness Week, and February 15th as Miles Hall Day of Remembrance and March 8th as Tyrell Wilson Day of Remembrance. (Supervisors Gioia and Glover)  
  • PRESENTATION proclaiming February 2023 as Civil Grand Jury Awareness Month. (Laura Griffin, Vice President Civil Grand Jurors Association) Chair Gioia spoke and asked questions about whether Grand Jury meetings will continue to be held on Zoom. Discussed transportation as a barrier to participants as well as need for an increase in the stipends to promote increase in diversity.
CONSENT ITEMS DISCUSSED:
  • C. 17 ADOPT Resolution No. 2023/26 in support of human rights in Iran, including immediate cessation of Human Rights abuses on the Demonstrators in Iran and the immediate release of Political Prisoners and a Free Secular Democratic Republic of Iran, as recommended by Supervisor Andersen.
  • C.20 ADOPT Resolution No.2023/43 Honoring Lunar New Year Celebrations in Contra Costa County as recommended by Supervisor Gioia.
RELEVANT DISCUSSION ITEMS:
D.4. Consider accepting Report on new Employment and Human Services Department public information sharing tools.
  • Includes data on Medi-Cal, CalFresh, Child Protective Services, CalWORKS, Aging and Adult Services,  and Economic data by zip code and district.
  • Approved 5-0
D.5. Consider authorizing Board of Supervisors in all its capacities, boards and commissions to continue with hybrid meetings starting March 1 when emergency order is lifted.

Did the agency promote rules publicly and enforce them?  Yes

Any recommendations for local League action on issues or on behaviors observed?  No
____________________________________________ 

Board Meeting - 1/24/23

LWV Observer Name: Mary Schreiber
Date Observed:  1/24/23
Agenda Link:  Agenda
Scheduled Start Time:    9 AM     
Did the meeting start on time?  Yes, went into closed session until approximately 9:30 AM

Number of Members:      5               All Present?     Yes      

Procedural Issues:
Meets Brown Act Requirements:
  • Agenda was posted 72 hours in advance?     Yes     On-Line:  Yes
  • Agenda clearly stated items to be discussed?  Yes
  • Provided background information to the public via links in the agenda or otherwise?  Yes
  • Maintained civil conduct: attentive, courteous and open to varied opinions?  Yes
  • Provided adequate time for public input?  Yes
  • Appeared members were prepared?  Yes
  • Appeared that an action item, not put on agenda for closed session, was discussed in closed session vs. in public session?     No   
  • Discussed any controversial topic?   No
  • Took any unusual action?   No 
  • Unacceptable behavior? No
Substantive Issues relevant to League program priorities:
  • Making Democracy Work: Civic Ed., Redistricting
  • Housing and/or Homelessness: Budget reports, Health Services report
  • Health Care: Health Services Department
  • Social Safety Net: Budget reports, Health Services
  • DEI: Budget reports
Notes/Comments:

D.1. Accept report "Navigating the Stimulus Hangover: Focus on Contra Costa County" prepared by Beacon Economics.

D.2. Accept report on budget and key issues for FY 23-24 and beyond.
  • Monica Nino reported on county budget process. Labor costs and revenue expected to grow.
  • Presentations from Bay Area Equity Atlas and Contra Costa Budget Coalition.
  • No decisions made today; Supervisors are gathering information for budget planning at future meetings.
  • Presentation on capital projects and budget planning
D.3. Accept report from Department of Health Services.
  • Health Services Report
  • 2023 Priority Areas of Focus
  • Contra Costa is the only county in CA with a county-run health plan. This year Contra Costa Health Plan will become the only managed care plan for Medi-Cal. Anthem Blue Cross will no longer manage care.
  • Health, Housing and Homelessness (H3) is part of Health Services.
  • Behavioral Health has clinics for children and adults as well as contracts with other providers.
  • Mobile Health vans are transitioning away from COVID Services and back to school clinics.
    • COVID Transition
    • California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM)
    • Single plan Model
    • Health Delivery System
    • Housing/Homelessness
    • Equity

D.4. Consider possible updates to Board operating procedures and communication and provide direction to staff. Language about Civil Discourse to be added to the policy.

Did the agency promote rules publicly and enforce them?  Yes

Any recommendations for local League action on issues or on behaviors observed?  No

____________________________________________ 

Board Meeting - 1/17/23

LWV Observer Name: Mary Schreiber
Date Observed:  1/17/23
Agenda Link:  Agenda
Scheduled Start Time:    9 AM     
Did the meeting start on time?  Yes, went into closed session until approximately 9:40 AM

Number of Members:      5               All Present?     Yes      

Procedural Issues:
Meets Brown Act Requirements:
  • Agenda was posted 72 hours in advance?     Yes     On-Line:  Yes
  • Agenda clearly stated items to be discussed?  Yes
  • Provided background information to the public via links in the agenda or otherwise? Yes
  • Maintained civil conduct: attentive, courteous and open to varied opinions? Yes
  • Provided adequate time for public input? Yes
  • Appeared members were prepared? Yes
  • Appeared that an action item, not put on agenda for closed session, was discussed in closed session vs. in public session?    No   
  • Discussed any controversial topic?    No
  • Took any unusual action?   No                           
  • Unacceptable behavior? N9
Substantive Issues relevant to League program priorities:
  • Civil Discourse
  • DEI: Humanitarian of the Year award and MLK Jr Commemoration
Notes/Comments:
 
Martin Luther King Jr Ceremony and Award at 11 AM

"The Supervisors recognized the 2023 Humanitarian of the Year, Cheryl Suddeth, El Sobrante resident and Contract Services Manager for the Alameda – Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit), and the Student Humanitarian of the Year, Ava Freeman, a senior at Acalanes High School in Lafayette."

D.1. Consider ratifying County Administrator's declaration of a local state of emergency due to storms and flooding. Ratified unanimously.

Did the agency promote rules publicly and enforce them?  Yes

Any recommendations for local League action on issues or on behaviors observed?  Yes

____________________________________________ 

Board Meeting - 1/10/23

LWV Observer Name: Mary Schreiber
Date Observed:  1/10/23
Agenda Link:  Agenda
Scheduled Start Time:      9 AM           
Did the meeting start on time?   Yes, went into closed session until approximately 9:30 AM

Number of Members:       5           All Present?    Yes        

Procedural Issues
Meets Brown Act Requirements:
  • Agenda was posted 72 hours in advance?     Yes      On-Line:  Yes  
  • Agenda clearly stated items to be discussed?  Yes
  • Provided background information to the public via links in the agenda or otherwise? Yes
  • Maintained civil conduct: attentive, courteous and open to varied opinions? Yes
  • Provided adequate time for public input? Yes, 2 minutes per public comment
  • Appeared members were prepared? Yes
  • Appeared that an action item, not put on agenda for closed session, was discussed in closed session vs. in public session?      Yes                
  • Discussed any controversial topic?    No                             
  • Took any unusual action?       No                                   
  • Unacceptable behavior?  No
Substantive Issues relevant to League program priorities   
  • Making Democracy Work: Civic Ed., Redistricting
  • Climate Change, including water issues
  • Housing and/or Homelessness
  • Criminal Justice Reform
  • Health Care
  • Civil Discourse: Chair Gioia commented after a caller criticized him during public comment that the beauty of our system is that anyone can speak and we can disagree
  • Social Safety Net
  • DEI: Chair Gioia commented that Supervisor Ken Carlson is our first LGBTQ supervisor.

Notes/Comments

2023 Board Reorganization:
  • Ken Carlson was sworn in as new Supervisor for District 4, John Gioia sworn in as Supervisor for new term by Judge Joni Hiramoto.
  • Kristin Connelly sworn in as New Clerk-Recorder by Judge Joni Hiramoto.
  • John Gioia sworn in as new Board Chair and Federal Glover sworn in as new Vice Chair.

D.1. Consider adopting recommendations for Board members and others to local, regional and statewide committees, boards and commissions.

Of note, Supervisor Burgis is Chair of the Delta Protection Committee.

C.5. Was pulled from the Consent calendar and discussed non-flavored cannabis vaping products. 

Adopt Ordinance No. 2023-03, allowing the sale and delivery of non-flavored cannabis products vaping products and DIRECT Contra Costa Health Services to consult with stakeholders to develop a proposed program designed to raise awareness about the dangers of youth cannabis vaping and curtail the illegal market, and return to the Board of Supervisors with a recommended program with funding by the cannabis industry.

Passed 5-0

Did the agency promote rules publicly and enforce them?  Yes

Any recommendations for local League action on issues or on behaviors observed?  No
 
_
This article is related to which committees: 
LWV Diablo Valley Observer Corps
League to which this content belongs: 
Diablo Valley