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Supervisors revise rules of procedure after debate over consent calendar language
Summary
Board members amended and adopted changes to the Mendocino County Board rules of procedure after a lengthy discussion about a clause allowing earlier deadline requirements and language that could push items onto the consent calendar; the board agreed to coordinate submission changes with the chair and change 'require' to 'request.'
The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors spent substantial time on proposed amendments to its Rules of Procedure at the Jan. 6 organizational meeting, centering on two contested points: whether the clerk may 'require' earlier submission deadlines around holidays and whether departments should favor placing items on the consent calendar when the action-versus-consent status is unclear.
Atlas Pearson, senior deputy clerk of the board, said the language was intended to mirror existing county policies (Policy 15) and to provide operational flexibility around holiday deadlines. Supervisor Williams and others argued the text was vague and could unduly limit the board’s ability to place timely items on the agenda; Williams suggested replacing the term 'require' with 'request' and adding a formal role for the chair in approving deadline changes. Supervisor Haschak urged that the default be greater transparency, placing items on the regular agenda when there is uncertainty.
Members of the public urged rescinding Policy 15 and opposed a broad push to put more items on consent. After discussion, the board agreed the clerk will coordinate with the chair on deadline adjustments, will change 'require' to 'request,' and will ensure the full board is notified of any deadline changes. Supervisor Haschak moved the amendment package and the board adopted the changes by unanimous roll call.
The board and staff noted the language under review was taken from an older policy and that the county executive office would bring back policy 15 for rescission if the board approved incorporating its language into the rules of procedure.
