pages: OpenGovernmentCommission/2021-08-02.pdf, 5
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OpenGovernmentCommission | 2021-08-02 | 5 | Commissioner Chen responded in the negative; stated she thought the form was very simple and even hand-wrote hers. Chair Tilos stated that he does not want to over-complicate the form; the form is really just the first step; subsequent steps in the process get more complex. Commissioner LoPilato concurred with Chair Tilos, stated the form should continue to be simple; the only concern she had was the physical address requirement; complainants should be made aware that the complaint form is made public. Commissioner Reid inquired whether a member of the public could make an anonymous complaint, if it had been done in the past and if it could be included in the process. Chair Tilos stated he would not want to accept anonymous complaints; if someone is filing a complaint, they should step up; it also opens up the door for more complaints. Commissioner Reid stated the City of San Francisco's Sunshine Task Force hears anonymous complaints; she would like the process to be more open and comfortable for people; there are some details on the form that seem inconsistent, including how to file the complaint; the consideration of an online form would be beneficial and bring Alameda into the 21st century. Commissioner Chen stated she finds it difficult to see how the Commission could take an anonymous complaint and yet have the person present their complaint to the OGC. The City Clerk noted the Sunshine Ordinance requires that the complainant attend the hearing. Commissioner Chen stated unless the City Council changes the Sunshine Ordinance, anonymous complaints are not accepted; concurred with Commissioner Reid regarding the inconsistencies in the documents; stated that she will rely on Commissioner Reid's eagle eyes to point out what needs to be fixed. In response to Commissioner LoPilato's inquiry, the City Clerk stated there are digital options at the City's disposal that are easy to use; many forms have been converted to an online submission; the form has not been changed since 2012 and not everyone was emailing back then; all the comments on revising the submission options are possible. In response to Chair Tilos' inquiry, the City Clerk stated that she has heard all the comments from tonight and offered to synthesize the form; if Commission members think of additional things, they can be given to her without violating the Brown Act; she could present the revised form back to the Commission; she would also research what other cities' forms look like and include some options. Meeting of the Open Government Commission August 2, 2021 5 | OpenGovernmentCommission/2021-08-02.pdf |