Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Youth Commission topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board extends Youth Commission liaison’s term despite questions about bylaw authority
Summary
The Board voted to extend Youth Commission Liaison Bethany Zhao’s term through August 2025 after Deputy County Attorney Lisa Cho advised that the Board’s bylaws do not expressly provide authority to extend the liaison’s term; the Board voted 6–0 with one absent (Torres).
Board members debated whether the Board had the authority to extend Youth Commission Liaison Bethany Zhao’s term. Deputy County Attorney Lisa Cho told the Board that the bylaws do not provide the necessary authority for an extension, and recommended a formal vote to clearly document the Board’s decision.
"The Board's bylaws do not provide the necessary authority to extend a term," Cho said. Despite the legal question, Board Member Chelsea Bonini moved to extend Zhao’s term through August 2025 and Susan Alvaro seconded; the motion passed by a vote of six in favor and one absent (Torres).
Board members discussed the origins of the liaison role and how it differs from the student trustee process laid out in board policy; Deputy County Attorney Cho noted the liaison role was created through a partnership with the San Mateo County Youth Commission and pre‑dated the current bylaws. The Board asked staff to document the decision and any relevant legal considerations for future reference.
