Title
Discussion of Open Meetings Act and Task Forces and Ad Hoc committees
Body
Each year, Council approves a resolution that establishes the minimum standards of public notice for all meetings of the Council, the County Indigent Hospital and County Health Care Board and of all standing County Boards, Commissions and policymaking bodies. The resolution, Resolution No. 21-01, is shown in Attachment A. This resolution defines how the County will comply with the Open Meetings Act (shown in Attachment B) including, but not limited to, creation of agendas and posting of agendas at least 72 hours prior to a meeting. The resolution names the following “County Boards, Commissions and Policymaking Bodies:”
Art in Public Places Board
Board of Adjustment (formerly Variance Board)
Board of Public Utilities
Community Development Advisory Board
DWI Planning Council
Environmental Sustainability Board
Historic Preservation Advisory Board
Labor Management Relations Board
Library Board
Lodgers’ Tax Advisory Board
Los Alamos County Health Council
Parks and Recreation Board
Personnel Board
Planning and Zoning Commission
Transportation Board
Valuation Protests Board
Currently, in addition to these named boards, commissions and policymaking bodies, Council has created several “Ad-Hoc” committees and/or task forces by approval of unique charters which may or may not give guidance on how or if the task force will follow the Open Meetings Act. Historically, these “Ad-Hoc” committees have followed the requirements of the Open Meetings Act.
This item has been brought to Council so that Council can give clarity for these committees and/or task forces with respect to the Open Meetings Act as well as the applicability of the Boards and Commission Handbook. After this discussion, a separate item will be brought back to Council so that a formal decision can be made in a public meeting as to the desires of Council for these “Ad-Hoc” committees. If necessary, the charters for the existing Task Forces will be brought back to Council with the appropriate revisions. Additionally, educational materials will be developed for all interested parties so that the roles, responsibilities and expectations of members can be given upfront prior to submission of an application.
Attachments
A - Resolution No. 21-01 Open Meetings Act
B - Section 10-15-1 NMSA 1978 Open Meetings Act