Board discloses closed-session actions: new mental-health director appointment and settlement authority on two cases

At the top of the meeting the board disclosed outcomes from a lengthy closed session. County counsel reported the board unanimously approved the appointment of Ian Clemmer to serve as the county mental health officer and director of mental health and delegated authority to the county executive to negotiate and execute an at-will employment agreement in accordance with the executive management salary schedule.

Counsel also said the board unanimously approved a proposed $895,000 settlement in Brian Thomas Danvers v. County of Orange, a case arising from a rear-end collision involving a sheriff's patrol vehicle, with the county not contesting liability; counsel noted the settlement remains subject to final approvals and copies will be made available to risk management and others upon finalization.

On a separate closed-session matter the board took no action after Supervisor Sarmiento recused himself because of a family connection to the plaintiff's attorney. In another case, Michelle Carr v. City of Dana Point, the board voted 4—1 to authorize limited settlement authority to outside counsel and directed the county to file a cross-complaint against the city to enforce the city's contractual obligation to indemnify the county; counsel indicated the vote was recorded as 4 in favor and 1 opposed.

County counsel concluded the readout by saying no other reportable actions were taken in closed session that day.