San Francisco Health Service Board recesses into closed session to review executive director candidates, later votes not to disclose or report

The San Francisco Health Service Board voted unanimously Feb. 27 to recess into closed session to review candidates screened by the recruitment firm Berkeley Search Consultants for the San Francisco Health Service System executive director position.

Board President Howe opened the meeting at 1:02 p.m. and asked for a motion to move into closed session "to review the candidates that they have screened for us to consider for interviewing for the executive director's position," noting the firm in attendance. After a motion and second on the floor, the board took public comment and then took a roll-call vote. President Howe, Commissioner Kremen, Supervisor Dorsey, Commissioner Howard, Commissioner Sass and Commissioner Wilson all voted "aye," and the motion to recess into closed session carried unanimously.

During the public-comment period before the board recessed, Fred Sanchez, president of Protect Our Benefits, asked the board to confirm whether candidates had been and would be asked about their fiduciary responsibilities. Sanchez told the board, "I wondered if you received a question from Lois Scott, our vice president. Wondering if you could ask the candidates if they understood their fiduciary responsibilities towards the members of the health service system." The board acknowledged receipt of a written comment from Lois Scott submitted before the deadline.

After the closed session, the board took two formal votes in open session about disclosure and reporting under local and state rules. On agenda item 5 the board voted on whether to disclose any or all discussion held in closed session under San Francisco Administrative Code section 6.512(a). A motion "not to disclose" was moved and seconded; a roll-call vote recorded unanimous support and the board voted not to disclose closed-session discussions. On agenda item 6 the board considered whether to issue a report of any action taken in closed session under California Government Code section 54957.1 and San Francisco Administrative Code section 67.12(b). A motion that the board "do not issue a possible report on any action taken" carried unanimously on roll-call.

All three formal votes reported on the record as unanimous. The meeting adjourned at 3:54 p.m.

The meeting record shows the board followed the processes for public comment and roll-call voting required for actions involving closed sessions and personnel considerations; no appointments, hires, or other formal personnel actions were disclosed in open session.