pages: OpenGovernmentCommission/2020-06-24.pdf, 14
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OpenGovernmentCommission | 2020-06-24 | 14 | Chair Schwartz stated it is a worthy consideration; he would suggest that, since the Commission is being asked for recommendations at this point, that he still recommends the 12-day noticing rule for special meetings and that the Commission be advised if it is not a good idea for any of the Commissions before there is a final resolution; the recommendation could be to increase public access and public transparency, and special meetings be held to the 12-day noticing requirement. The Chief Assistant City Attorney stated the City Attorney's office would bring back draft language that reflects comments and direction from the Commission. Commissioner Tilos stated there are accessibility issues and accessibility is lowered even more during this pandemic; important and controversial issues, such as Charter amendments, should not be noticed in special meetings during a pandemic when participation is low. Commissioner Little disagreed; stated business has to continue; there is no idea how long the pandemic will last and City business cannot continue to be postponed; she would also argue that although the format of virtual meetings has been limiting to some people, it can also afford greater accessibility to the public who might not otherwise be able to attend a meeting and engage from home instead of in person; there are positives and negatives, but what is critical is expending all efforts to communicate and make sure the public has every opportunity to be aware of the various meetings and agendas that will be happening. Commissioner Tilos stated he would like to add to Chair Schwartz's first recommendation regarding communication; he would like to implore technology be used, including text notifications and allowing citizens to opt in to receive notification about specific meetings. Commissioner Little stated it would be an easy list since there are a number of Alamedans who already receive text notifications from the City regarding COVID updates. Chair Schwartz stated that he would like to move toward a vote if there is a second on the four points, adding the text notifications to the first part. Commissioner Little seconded the motion, which carried by the following roll call vote: Commissioners Little: Aye; Pauling: Aye; Shabazz: Aye; Tilos: Aye; Chair Schwartz: Aye. Ayes: 5 In response to Chair Schwartz inquiry, Commissioner Tilos stated that he does agree with Commissioner Little regarding the show must go on for day-to-day business; moved approval of the recommendation that Charter amendments or big issues should not be addressed during a pandemic. The Chief Assistant City Attorney requested clarification that Commissioner Tilos's motion does not necessarily have to be a pandemic, but any type of declaration of local emergency. Meeting of the Open Government Commission June 24, 2020 14 | OpenGovernmentCommission/2020-06-24.pdf |