Special Notice / Hearing: None
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Michael P. Callagy, County Executive
Subject: Amending language that established the San Mateo County Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee and expanding its membership
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution amending and restating the following provisions pertaining to the San Mateo County Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee’s voting membership, clarification of specific roles, and an update to the department administration liaison:
A) Amend and restate Resolution Nos. 073998 and 074494, converting the two Alternates to At-Large members and maintaining their existing terms, for an increase to the number of voting members from five to seven members as listed in Attachment A; for a new defined majority vote of authorized membership of a minimum of four votes; and
B) Amend and restate Resolution No. 073998 clarifying the roles in advocacy; in making recommendations to the Board of Supervisors; and updating the department administrative liaison to the Department of Public Works.
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BACKGROUND:
On September 1, 2015 this Board adopted Resolution No. 073998, which established the San Mateo County Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (Committee) and set its purposes, membership, terms, organization, powers, duties and functions.
On May 10, 2016, this Board adopted Resolution No. 074494, which expanded the Committee’s membership to include two alternate member positions and appointed the initial individuals to the Committee.
On January 23, 2024 this Board adopted Resolution No. 080121 updating the standing rules with regard to policy matters and advocacy for the County’s advisory Boards, Councils, Commissions and Committees.
DISCUSSION:
Certain provisions of Resolution Nos. 073998, and 074494, should be amended and restated to modify the composition of the membership, clarify the Committee’s roles, ensure consistency with the updated standing rules, and to update the department administrative liaison. The following modifications, described by subject area, are recommended:
Conversion of Alternate Committee Member Positions to Regular Voting Members
Resolution No. 074494 increased the Committee membership to allow for up to two alternate member positions in addition to the five regular voting member positions. The Resolution authorized the alternate member positions to participate in discussions and vote on matters before the Committee when one or more of the regular members were absent. This Committee is one of the few County Boards, Councils, Commissions or Committees that have alternate member positions. Conversion of the two alternate member positions to voting member positions is recommended to provide greater uniformity with County advisory groups and encourage more proactive contributions from all Committee members. The increase in voting members would also require an increase in the number of Committee members to obtain a quorum from three to four members. Staff recommends the following amendments to Resolution No. 073998:
• Section 2, “Membership”, be revised to increase the number of voting members serving on the Committee from five to seven members.
• Section 2d under “Membership”, pertaining to the members representing various interests, the two alternate members’ conversion to regular voting members will be considered “At-Large” members, increasing the total of “At-Large” members from two to four.
• Section 4c under “Organization”, pertaining to the rules for the conduct of business, be revised to define a majority vote of the authorized membership from a minimum of three to four votes.
Clarification of the Committee’s Advocacy Role for People Walking and Bicycling
Section 5 of Resolution No. 073998, pertains to the “Committee’s Powers, Duties and Functions”. The Committee is to act as an advocate for people walking and bicycling, and it must be clarified to specify that their advocacy shall be in context with their role as an advisory committee and the Standing Rules for Boards, Councils, Commissions and Committees. Staff recommends the following amendments to the Resolution:
• Section 5d be revised to enable the Committee to act as an advocate for people walking and bicycling, consistent with this Board’s established policies.
• Section 1f, under “Committee - Establishment and Purposes”, be revised to remove the word “jurisdictions” to avoid interpretation that the Committee’s role includes direct advocacy to external Boards and Councils.
Clarification on the Committee’s Role making Recommendations to this Board regarding the Annual Road Resurfacing, Maintenance, and Operations Program
The Department of Public Works is responsible for the unincorporated County’s annual road resurfacing, maintenance and operations program and staff within it have the expertise in managing the work. To avoid confusion with the intent of Section 1d, under “Committee - Establishment and Purposes” in Resolution No. 073998, staff recommends language be added that clarify the purpose is to show how the County’s annual resurfacing, maintenance and operations program can enhance bicycle and pedestrian safety, access, and infrastructure.
Committee’s Department Liaison Update
The Department of Public Works has replaced the Sustainability Department’s role as the Committee’s administrative liaison. Staff recommends that Section 4e, under “Organization”, in Resolution No. 073998 be revised to replace the Office of Sustainability with the Department of Public Works as the Committee’s administrative liaison, or such other County departments as the Board of Supervisors may authorize.
A list of the current Committee Members and Alternates are included in Attachment A. The Department recommends maintaining the existing term lengths for Alternate Committee Members as established upon approval of this resolution and memorandum for their converted positions to At-Large voting members.
County Attorney has reviewed and approved the resolution as to form.
EQUITY IMPACT:
Increasing the number of voting Committee members will help ensure adequate representation from the County’s diverse geographic unincorporated areas and the matters pertaining to the walking and biking needs of the County’s residents and visitors.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no impact to the General Fund.