pages: Mayor'sEconomicDevelopmentAdvisoryPanel/EconomicRecoveryTaskForce/2016-07-20.pdf, 4
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Mayor'sEconomicDevelopmentAdvisoryPanel/EconomicRecoveryTaskForce | EconomicRecoveryTaskForce | 4 | Ms. Brown said that this is a good question, and that they haven't covered the Public Records Act, which is the California version of the federal Freedom of Information Act. Staff will need to decide about issuing City email addresses to Panel members, which is done for City Council and some boards and commissions. If we get a request for emails of public officials, their emails get sent to the public. Staff will discuss this and get back to the Advisory Panel. Panel member Laguerre wondered about using blind copy on emails. Ms. Brown answered that this is tricky because it depends on the content of the email. It is best to stay away. Panel member Winters commented that this will force the Panel to keep tighter notes to bring topics up in a public forum. The Brown Act and the Sunshine Ordinance make a lot of sense for transparent government and keep people engaged in local democracy. From a business sense, it is tough to swallow. Panel member Grunt added if we are meeting only two or three times a year and this is the only time we can brainstorm, it doesn't seem really productive. Ms. Butler pointed out that the Panel can meet as often as they want. Panel member Laguerre asked if it is okay if only three members got together to talk. Ms. Brown answered yes, but this also is a slippery slope: if one of the three then goes and talks with another Panel member about the same subject it could be a violation of the Brown Act. Panel member Mik suggested talking in subgroups (e.g. Alameda Point) that report back to the panel in a public forum. That way the Panel can continue as it is used to doing in the private sector while still complying with the law. Is that fair? Ms. Brown said other bodies have successfully used ad hoc subcommittees. Still, there are some precautions, but she can work with the Panel to set something up. Mr. Grunt brought up socializing events to get to know one another, though there would be a tendency to discuss Alameda. Ms. Brown said socializing is fine, but advised that the panel members keep in mind the purview of this body (see the purpose section in the Rules and Procedures document). Community Development Director Debbie Potter noted that the Brown Act and the Sunshine Ordinance applies to this setting (e.g. a public meeting of the Panel). The City intends to use the Panel in a lot of different ways, such as business visitations, where the Brown Act would not apply. Draft Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 9 July 20, 2016 | Mayor'sEconomicDevelopmentAdvisoryPanel/EconomicRecoveryTaskForce/2016-07-20.pdf |