Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Barbara Sharief
Department: County Commission
Information
Requested Action
title
MOTION TO DISCUSS various Board rules of procedure including (i) potential changes to the Board rules to better manage the calling of special meetings, particularly during periods in which the Board is scheduled to be in recess; (ii) ensuring that, with regard to 10:00 a.m. Board meetings, a meeting break of at least 15 minutes occurs no later than 1:00 p.m., for the benefit of staff including the Minutes Secretary; and (iii) using available tools, including Pre-Board Meeting Inquiries (PBMIs), to enhance transparency and achieve greater efficiency in connection with Board meetings. (Commissioner Sharief)
body
Why Action is Necessary
Allows a public discussion of these important topics.
What Action Accomplishes
Enables such public discussion to occur.
Is this Action Goal Related
Yes
Previous Action Taken
Summary Explanation/Background
This item supports the Board’s vision of “[c]onsistently delivering responsive, efficient, quality services to the public and internal customers.”
For a number of reasons, including as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Board had no actual summer recess in 2020. At least six meetings or workshops occurred during the planned recess, meaning meetings and workshops occurred more frequently during summer recess than would usually occur during a non-recess period of the same duration. Senior County staff members use the summer recess period to take some necessary personal time and to address pressing work matters (normally, large projects). While special meetings and workshops must sometimes be held to protect the public health, safety, and welfare, the Board must also consider the detriment created by holding these additional meetings and workshops, including the impact on staff wellbeing and productivity. Discussion of this item may lead to refinement of the current rules for calling special meetings and workshops.
Board rules require a meeting to recess at 12:30 p.m. unless the meeting is formally extended. Sometimes, the extension continues well beyond 1:00 p.m. To ensure the wellbeing of staff, and in particular the Minutes Secretary who must be present during Board proceedings, a meeting break should occur no later than 1:00 p.m. despite any motion to extend the meeting.
Finally, as Board meetings have grown in length, including in response to COVID-19 considerations, Board members should utilize available tools, including PBMIs, that would enhance both transparency and efficiency.
Additional related items may also be discussed.
Source of Additional Information
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
None.