XI. Participation of the Public
Rule 47. Public Comment / Time Limits
Members of the public have the right to address the Board on any item within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Board (Government Code §54954.3). Members of the public shall direct their comments to the Chair who may, at his or her discretion, request a response from staff. The time public comment is taken will be published on the agenda 72 hours in advance of the meeting. Time limitations are at the discretion of the Chair, and may be reduced or extended.
Public comments on items on the agenda will be called prior to the Board taking action on the item. Under the Public Comments portion of the meeting, members of the public will be allowed to address the Board regarding any item not on the agenda. Under the Brown Act, Board members may not deliberate or take action on items not on the agenda, and generally may only listen. No action may be taken on items not on the agenda unless authorized by law.
Rule 48. Orderly Conduct
The Chair may determine when orderly conduct of a meeting is not feasible owing to disruptive behavior by persons in attendance. The Chair may request that person(s) disrupting the meeting leave the chambers/meeting room. If order cannot be restored, the Chair may order the chambers/meeting room cleared and continue in session. Members of the news media, except those participating in the disturbance, shall be allowed to remain. The Chair may re-admit any person(s) provided their re-admission will not disrupt the continued orderly conduct of business. The Chair may also call a recess and reconvene when order has been restored.Rule 49. Security and Prohibition of Banners/Signs or other Hazardous Objects
The Board has the power to implement security measures in the chambers/meeting room. The Board Chambers are protected by security screeners to maintain the public’s safety. Signs, posters, banners or other hazardous objects which could impair the safety of individuals in the event of an emergency are prohibited in the chambers/meeting room. Any large object/container that may be deemed a hazardous object which could impair the safety of individuals in the event of an emergency may be prohibited in the chambers/meeting room.
Rule 50. Appointments to Countywide Boards and Commissions
For all Board appointments requiring the approval of the Board of Supervisors, the procedures set forth in this Rule 50 shall be followed. The Clerk of the Board shall regularly advertise all available openings on boards and commissions in accordance with current communication channels identified by the joint recommendation of the Office of Equity and the CAO’s Central Communications division. The Clerk of the Board shall also post the vacancy information on the County’s Maddy Act page on the County’s website. The Clerk of the Board shall convene selected staff members to review prospective applications on a quarterly basis, or as needed. When the recommendation is brought forward to the Board, the agenda materials shall include all applications reviewed by staff. The Clerk of the Board shall notify all applicants when the agenda is posted for the appointment, however, applicants shall not be required to be present for consideration by the Board.