pages: OpenGovernmentCommission/2021-07-19.pdf, 10
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OpenGovernmentCommission | 2021-07-19 | 10 | mindful that it is not here as legislative drafters. The City Clerk read section 2-22.4 of the Alameda Municipal Code regarding the duties of the OGC. Commissioner LoPilato stated if a problem comes up over and over, such as the ad hoc exemption in the Sunshine Ordinance, the Commission could surface the issue through the implementation reports to Council as an issue the community is concerned about, rather than sending out Commission Communications about changing the language in the ordinance. Commissioner Chen stated the reason she has that confusion is because the Boards and Commission Handbook actually lists "proposing amendments to the Sunshine Ordinance to the City Council. The City Clerk stated she would correct the Handbook and thanked Commissioner Chen for pointing it out. Commissioner Reid stated the trainings would be great; suggested including members of the public as well so they can also learn; stated the Sunshine Ordinance is a guide to implement the Brown Act and should be looked at from that higher point of view. Vice Chair Shabazz stated if the orientation is noticed, members of the public can participate; the Brown Act, which is based on principles of democracy, is a specific tool that is being used and clarified at the local level; the subcommittee will take all the feedback into advisement; this is just a starting place to correct some challenges the Commission has had with operations; the next piece regarding the roles and responsibilities relates to challenges of folks coming on the Commission and not necessarily knowing the different roles; Chair Tilos already suggested having a more informal meeting with new Commissioners, along with City staff; he likes Commissioner Chen's suggesting that the first thing that should be seen in the complaint process should be the complaint itself, then, a staff report with action and response if there is any cure and correction; making sure all communications are pertinent is important so that one person does not have more information than others; provided an example of receiving email data for the Scott Morris complaint, which gave him a different timeline and understanding of the particular issue; stated one of the duties listed is contacting the complainant, which is actually a duty for City staff; these are just some issues the subcommittee wanted to bring up, specifically related to the City Attorney's office. Commissioner Reid inquired whether it would be appropriate to add that staff and the City Attorney's office should inform the OGC about exemptions, which should also be included in the annual report or possibly a monthly report; stated the goal should be to educate everyone and to create greater access. Vice Chair Shabazz clarified his understanding of Commissioner Reid's suggestions: if there are complaints, communicate that there is a complaint, the exemptions being Meeting of the Open Government Commission 10 July 19, 2021 | OpenGovernmentCommission/2021-07-19.pdf |