Title
Minutes of the August 7, 2023 Meeting
Body
UNAPPROVED
MINUTES OF THE OPEN GOVERNMENT COMMISSION MEETING
MONDAY - - - AUGUST 7, 2023 - - - 7:00 P.M.
Chair Chen convened the meeting at 7:05 p.m.
ROLL CALL - Present: Commissioners Miley, Miyao, Sullivan, Tilos and Chair Chen - 5.
Absent: None.
[Staff present: Chief Assistant City Attorney Elizabeth Mackenzie; City Clerk Lara Weisiger; Assistant City Attorney Len Aslanian; Interim Base Reuse and Economic Development Director Andrew Thomas]
NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT
Carmen Reid, Alameda, suggested the Commission wait to open public comment; discussed the meeting hyperlink.
Jay Garfinkle, Alameda, discussed public comment, the Commission’s role and complaints.
COMPLAINT HEARINGS
3-A. Hearing on Sunshine Ordinance Complaint Filed on July 11, 2023
Chair Chen outlined the hearing process.
Shelby Sheehan, Complainant, gave an Opening Statement and Presentation of Facts.
The Assistant City Attorney and Interim Base Reuse and Economic Development Director, City/Respondent, gave an Opening Statement and Presentation of Facts.
Ms. Sheehan gave a Reply to the City/Respondent Opening Statement and Presentation of Facts.
The Commissioners asked questions and responses were provided by the Assistant City Attorney, City Clerk, Interim Base Reuse and Economic Development Director and the Complainant.
Ms. Sheehan gave a Closing Statement.
The Assistant City Attorney gave a Closing Statement.
Applauded Ms. Sheehan for her efforts; stated people need access to information; discussed the project and the Planning Board process; urged information be made available; discussed Big Whites: Jay Garfinkle, Alameda.
Stated staff might not provide hyperlinks in staff reports because URLs change: Francisco Sprouse.
Questioned whether documents were readily available; discussed website searches; expressed concerns about document versions and availability: Carmen Reid, Alameda.
Commissioner Tilos asked an additional clarifying question and the Interim Base Reuse and Economic Development Director and the Complainant responded.
The Commission discussed the Complaint.
Vice Chair Miley, Commissioner Tilos and Commissioner Sullivan agreed the main issue seems to be ease of access.
Commissioners Miyao and Tilos expressed that they do not see a violation of the Sunshine Ordinance.
Chair Chen and Vice Chair Miley both agreed documents should be more accessible.
Commissioner Miyao suggested concerns be included in the Commission’s annual report.
Chair Chen noted the Complainant asked the Commission to look at the intent of the Sunshine Ordinance and did not cite a particular section and Commissioner Miyao concurred.
Commissioner Miyao stated practices need to be improved; recommendations can be made in the annual report, but he does not see a violation of the Sunshine Ordinance; Commissioner Tilos concurred.
Commissioner Miyao moved approval of denying the complaint.
Commissioner Sullivan seconded the motion, which carried by the following roll call vote: Commissioners Miley: Aye; Miyao: Aye; Sullivan: Aye; Tilos: Aye; and Chair Chen: Aye. Ayes: 5.
REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS
4-A. Minutes of the July 11, 2023 Meeting
Vice Chair Miley moved approval of the minutes.
Commissioner Tilos seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5.
STAFF UPDATE
The City Clerk noted it is the Chief Assistant City Attorney’s last meeting.
COMMISSION AGENDA REQUESTS
None.
COMMISSIONER COMMUNICATIONS
Commissioner Sullivan discussed going to the Art and Wine Festival and Antique Faire.
Chair Chen noted that she also attended the Art and Wine Festival.
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Chen adjourned the meeting at 8:46 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lara Weisiger, City Clerk
The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Sunshine Ordinance.