MHCSD - Getting things done

How board members achieve their personal goals:
Decision making at the board level requires 3 votes. Because of brown act limitations, topics must be placed on the agenda in advance of a meeting so that the other board members and the public can participate.

Board members typically would go to staff with a proposal in advance of a board meeting to allow them help form a resolution that they could in turn recommend. It is recognized that board members very rarely have practical experience running a town. As a result, the law requires that a CSD board hire a general manager who will be responsible for the day to day operations of a district. Properly, board members work with staff to get their proposals on the agenda for the full boards consideration.

Generally with most issues, the board member does his/her research, then ask the president of the board to put something on the agenda. If the president does not agree, then the member can petition the full board for a hearing of the issue at the next scheduled meeting. Any 3 votes will override the president. Because of the brown act, board members may not e-mail or petition more that two other board members in advance of a board meeting with ideas.

Sometimes a board member will show up to a meeting with a new idea. There are board comments at the end of each meting where a member can bring up new issues. The other members may not engage the member other than to vote to have the issue placed on the agenda for the next board meeting.

Members of the public getting things done:
Properly, the public should first attempt to resolve issues though the General Manager and his or her staff. In many instances, the staff will be able to resolve problems without any board intervention.

Members of the public can also get thing done by attending board meeting and making suggestions during the public comments portion. If at least 3 of the 5 members agree, they can instruct staff to bring something back to the full board at a later time for consideration.

In any case, most board members are going to expect a report from the General Manager as to the feasibility or practicality of an idea. Because of this, it's generally expected that members of the public work with staff to form proposals for the board to consider.

Fully formed proposal with input from the general manager and staff have the best chance of success.

Public - What not to do

 * Show up to a meeting and fire off ideas with the expectation that the board will act without proper research.

Resorces
Wikipedia - The Brown Act