Commission adopts rules (with one section deferred), elects data officer and names nominating committee

The Homeless Oversight Commission voted to adopt its rules of order with the exception of one provision about how agendas are set (item R), which the commission deferred for further consideration after receiving city‑attorney guidance about Brown Act implications.

During discussion City Attorney Adam Rad explained the legal tradeoffs: a standing agenda‑setting committee made up of the chair, vice chair and executive director could trigger open‑meeting (Brown Act) requirements; the alternative language would authorize the chair and executive director to set agendas with consultation as long as it does not violate the Brown Act. Commissioners agreed to approve the rules today but to bring item R back for final action at the next meeting.

The commission also moved forward with internal organization: Commissioner Sharkey Laguana was nominated and elected to serve as the commission's data officer after he affirmed he had no conflicts of interest and described his data and operational experience. "I don't have any conflicts to disclose. I don't sit on any other boards. I don't participate in any other organizations," Laguana said during his remarks.

Chair Jonathan Butler announced the nominating committee appointments and the commission indicated support for naming Commissioners Joaquin Guerrero, Katie Albright and Christine Evans to that committee to consider appointments to advisory bodies and vacancies. The chair noted he had consulted with the absent vice chair and that the committee will begin its work under the authority described in the rules.

Votes were recorded on the public record. The roll call on the rules and the data officer election recorded ayes from Chair Butler and Commissioners Albright, Evans, Guerrero and Laguana; Vice Chair Bevan Dufty was excused.

What happens next: Item R will be revisited at the next meeting for final adoption or amendment; the data officer and nominating committee will begin their roles and the commission secretary will publish updated rosters and meeting materials.