GAO committee recommends litigation agenda to Board and votes not to disclose closed‑session deliberations

The Government Audit and Oversight Committee on April 20 reported that it unanimously recommended the Board of Supervisors consider a litigation agenda (items 2–18) at the Board's May 2 meeting, and the committee also voted unanimously not to disclose the substance of its closed‑session deliberations.

Chair Dean Preston called items 2 through 18 as the day's litigation agenda, which the clerk described as including settlements, a tolling agreement and unlitigated claims. During public comment, David Pilpow said he was "intrigued by item 3" and urged that long titles for closed‑session items include material summaries and, where appropriate, the specific department involved so the public has clearer information about sealed matters. "I think, in this case, we could expand the last segment of that where it says the lawsuit involves an employment dispute, if it's with a specific department, I think it could say with the such and such department," he said.

After recessing to closed session, the committee returned and the clerk reported that the committee "acted unanimously to recommend the entire litigation agenda items 2 through 18 to the Board of Supervisors for consideration on May 2." Chair Preston then moved that the committee not disclose its closed‑session discussions. Supervisor Connie Chan offered a public disclosure noting a limited professional relationship with Christopher Warwick, identified as a plaintiff in one of the matters. The committee recorded unanimous 'aye' votes on the nondisclosure motion.

No further public action was taken on the litigation agenda during the open meeting; the clerk confirmed there was no additional business and the committee adjourned.