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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 02061990 - T.2 T. 2 THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA Adopted this Order on February 6,1990 by the following vote: AYES: Supervisors Fanden, Schroder, McPeak, Torlakson, and Powers NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None SUBJECT: Hearing on Appeal of Decision of Evidentiary Hearing Officer re General Assistance Benefits This being the time set by the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors for hearing an appeal of a decision of a Social Services Evidentiary Hearing Officer regarding the appellant' s ineligibility for General Assistance benefits. Chair Fanden requested staff to present the issues to the Board. Barbara R. Weidenfeld, Social Service Appeals Officer, appeared and reviewed the issues, including whether the appellant' s receipt of a $6,750 lump sum Social Security Benefit on April 19, 1989, made the appellant ineligible for General Assistance benefits. Chair Fanden left the podium and turned the gavel over to Vice Chairman Powers who conducted the remainder of the hearing. A representative of the appellant appeared and advised that the appellant was concerned that the appellant' s confidentiality was being breached by this public hearing. He advised that the appellant requests that the Board appoint a hearing officer who is a member of the State Bar to consider the matter and make a closed session recommendation to the Board regarding the facts of the case and legal findings. Chairman Powers requested comments from County Counsel with respect to the request. Supervisor Fanden returned to the podium, but did not resume chairmanship of the hearing. Arthur Walenta, Assistant County Counsel, advised as follows: the name of the appellant has not been disclosed at this appeal hearing; records of these proceedings may be confidential; the public disclosure of the issues herein does not violate the appellant' s rights; and there is no procedure for the Board for appointing a hearing officer in this case or considering the matter in closed session. Chairman Powers, after asking for comments from the Board members, declared that the Board would proceed with its usual procedure to have the public hearing and then have the Board make a decision. The representative of the appellant advised that the appellant would proceed, under protest. He spoke to the merits of the matter and the appellant' s contentions. The appellant appeared and advised of a lawsuit the appellant has filed relating to the property tax issue. Board members discussed the matter with the appellant, the appellant' s representative and County Counsel. ,1 Good cause appearing therefore, IT IS BY THE BOARD ORDERED that the hearing is closed, the matter is taken under submission and decision is deferred to February 13, 1990. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED THAT the matter is referred to County Counsel for review of the legal issues raised and for report to the Board on February 13, 1990 . I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of an action taken and entered on the minutes of the Board of Supervisors on the /data_shown, ATTESTED: PHIL BATCHELOR,Clerk of VWBo&jd of Supervisors and County Armor cc: County Counsel Social Services Department By �cia , County Administrator