Elections Commission
2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 Department of Elections
Elections Commission
APPROVED: 7-17- 02
City and County of San Francisco
Elections Commission
Minutes of the Special Meeting Held
Monday, April 22, 2002
I. Called to order at 4:10 pm , Roll Call and Pledge of Allegiance.
COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Robert Kenealey, Alix Rosenthal, Michael Mendelson, Brenda Stowers, Thomas Schulz, Richard Shadoian.
ABSENT: None.
2. Public Comment - Lula Jackson, Debra Brown, Peter Cohn, Robin Ho, Maryanne Martinez, Frederick Hobson, Charlie Walker, Shelly Bell, James Bryant, spoke in support of Director Haygood, Chris Bowman stated that the currently approved redistricting plan was lacking and spoke in favor of the Director and other Elections Department employees.
Unidentified person asked the Deputy City Attorney whether Ms. Haygood can call for a public hearing. Linda Ross, from the City Attorney's office responded. She said that after looking at the Sunshine Ordinance, the Brown Act and case law, the Commission has the right to go into a closed session to do a performance evaluation or to consider a dismissal of a public employee. It is only in the case of charges of misconduct that a public employee has the right to a public hearing.
Director Haygood stated that she would like for the public to hear any allegations or statements that the Commission would use to dismiss her from her position.
3. CLOSED SESSION
4. Commissioner Schulz announced that the Commission decided in Closed Session that it no longer wishes to have Tammy Haygood continue as Director of Elections; the decision is effective immediately. Roll Call Vote: Kenealy - No; Rosenthal - Yes; Mendelson - Yes; Schulz - Yes; Shadoian - Yes; Stowers - No; Serrano-Sewell -No.
It was MOVED to not disclose other information about the Closed Session.
Vote was unanimous.
President Schulz announced that the Commission will follow established procedures for finding an Acting Director. Per DHR, there is an active list. The Personnel Committee and the full Commission will meet on Monday to discuss the procedure.
Commissioner Rosenthal asked the President to offer Ms. Haygood the opportunity to make a statement, if she wished. Ms. Haygood declined the offer.
Public Comment: Chris Bowman spoke about the process and against the potential hiring of Dr. Phil Perris from the current list; Peter Fries spoke regarding the Commission's lack of good advice; Shelly Bell quoted from the Brown Act regarding the right of employees being dismissed in a close session; David Rodgers, Helena Brook and Fredrick Hobson, asked that reasons be given for dismissal of the Director.
5. Report from the Budget and Policy Committee - Commissioner Rosenthal requested that this item be postponed until next week. Ara Manasian asked if just the report on the baseline budget can be approved at this meeting so that it can be passed on to the Mayor's office.
It was MOVED to pass the baseline budget that was approved by the Budget and Policy Committee and to pass it on to the Mayor's office. PASSED unanimously.
6. Election of a new President of the Commission. President Schulz asked that the Commission accept his resignation, due to health issues in his family. The other members thanked him for his service over the first months of the Commission's existence. Vice President Shadoian asked for nominations for President. Commissioner Kenealey nominated Michael Mendelson. It was MOVED to vote in Mr. Mendelson as president. PASSED unanimously.
7. Appointment to Personnel Committee. President Mendelson appointed Commissioner Thomas Schulz to the Personnel Committee.
8. The Commission formally thanked the Elections Task Force for meeting their directive and completing their job in a timely fashion. The President is to compose a letter of thanks to the Elections Task Force.
Public Comment: Chris Bowman asked that the letter thank all nine members of the Elections Task Force.
9. Discussion of items for future agendas: Commissioner Schulz suggested a discussion of the role of the CACE. President Mendelson asked that future agenda items be passed through the new Commission Secretary, who will begin on Wednesday. The next scheduled meeting will be April 29th.
10. Public Comment: David Rodgers asked for budget clarification; Peter Fries asked about the progress of the Commission rules and regulations; Chris Bowman reminded the Commission of the need for hearings for the paid arguments for the Voter Handbook.
ADJOURNED