pages: OpenGovernmentCommission/2021-05-03.pdf, 2
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OpenGovernmentCommission | 2021-05-03 | 2 | and start discussion from there; stated that he would like to go away from the supermajority and is leaning towards Councilmember Knox White's proposal to re- agendize the issue; he also likes Commissioner LoPilato's piece about posting the Commission's decisions on the internet for transparency; said items are his top three topics he would like to vote on. Vice Chair Shabazz stated part of the ordinance enables people to challenge meetings shifting from using the phrase "required" to "recommended;" what the Commission is attempting to achieve got lost in the language, particulars and supermajorities; there were some lessons from what happened with Commissioner Chen's complaints. Commissioner Chen stated that she has been worn down because the issue has been going on so long; she read the materials and found the null and void piece came directly from the Brown Act; no one has ever thoroughly won a case on the Brown Act; she thinks what the Commission really wants is to have City government and Departments accountable for their decisions, how they make their decisions and transparency; she likes Commissioner LoPilato's recommendations to shine a light to assist the City in adhering to the Brown Act and Sunshine Ordinance; the Commission is not here to further any disagreements people have with the decisions the City Council and other commissions make, but whether or not the correct process was followed to reach decisions; the Brown Act is merely a tool to shame or embarrass the leaders into following the rules; the Commission should be practical and realistic; she supports posting the Commissions' recommendations to cure and correct any violations brought before them on the City's website or issuing a press release; every Commissioner wants to represent the best interest of the community; no Councilmember wants it publicized that they are always voting against the Commission; the Commission is calling people out and saying this is how it should be done; when things happen that are not transparent, trust is lost; she would like the Commission to be viewed as a group of five people who are trying to make everything run better; she likes the idea of adding in the transparency piece and making the decision not to sustain a complaint really clear; she was confused by the term "unfounded" versus "not sustained;" she embraces said proposal and does not want to set up an appeals process; the Commission would have done its duty and if the City Council does not want to accept the fact the Commission found a Sunshine Ordinance violation, it will be publicized; she does not think any Councilmember would want to be on a list of not listening to what the Commission sees as being transparent and good government. Chair Tilos inquired whether Commissioners Shabazz and Reid are aligned with wanting to be transparent about the Commission decisions and posting decisions on the City website. Commissioner Reid responded in the affirmative, stated that she feels very aligned with Commissioner Chen's comments; her main concerns are centered around the goal of transparency and full support for public participation at all levels; she made a suggestion to modify the penalty section that seems to disproportionately affect elderly participants who may not live an additional five years; she also recommends a more open approach Meeting of the Open Government Commission May 3, 2021 2 | OpenGovernmentCommission/2021-05-03.pdf |