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Commissioners discuss single public-comment period and remote budget hearings; YouTube live streaming to be used for public viewing
Summary
Members debated allowing all public speakers to register to speak on any matter up to the day of the meeting and discussed moving departmental budget hearings to remote/streamed formats (YouTube) to increase participation; the clerk and counsel will prepare bylaw language and logistics.
Commissioner William O'Dea proposed that departmental budget hearings be conducted remotely (via Zoom or similar), with the caucus and clerk broadcasting formal meetings via YouTube live stream to expand access and make scheduling easier for commissioners and staff. He argued remote hearings would allow more flexible participation, reduce in-person time burdens and make it easier to assemble staff and subject-matter experts.
Commissioner Albert Cifelli and others discussed the board's two public-comment periods and whether the county should adopt a single public-comment window with a consistent five-minute time allotment for speakers on agenda and non-agenda items. County counsel Carmen Mendiola said she would follow up on bylaw language and cross-check practices in other municipal bodies. The clerk said the county would begin streaming meetings via YouTube live and confirmed that streaming is planned for the second meeting in May.
The board asked county counsel and staff to draft proposed bylaw revisions that would permit sign-ups to speak on any matter of public interest up until the day of the meeting and to return the language for consideration at a subsequent meeting.
