Thanks Michael. The MAC plays an important role in our lives here in Castro Valley. It is important to know how it has changed and evolved since it was created.
How the MAC Evolved Through the Years
- By : Michael Baldwin
- Category : Alameda County, Governance, MAC, Reference Documents
The Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) was created with a resolution by the Alameda County Board of Supervisors (BOS) on April 7, 1981. Since then, the BOS has revised that resolution five times. These six resolutions have never been posted online. Castro Valley Matters, along with some help from the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors have unearthed all six from the County’s long term retention facilities, and we have posted them here for your reference -and reading pleasure.
Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council Created
The original resolution, Alameda County Resolution 190307A dated April 7, 1981 established the council with five “residents of Castro Valley,” all appointed to one year terms by the fourth district supervisor. The boundaries of the MAC were designated as roughly the same as the Castro Valley Fire Protection District. The MAC was tasked with meeting “at least monthly” and they were given an annual budget of $24,000.
Appointment Process, Meeting Dates Clarified
Two short months later, this was modified by Resolution 190914 on June 16, 1981. This changed the MAC so the members were appointed by the fullBoard of Supervisors after being nominated by the fourth district supervisor. It also mandated that the MAC meet on the second and fourth Mondays of each month. Lastly, while maintaining the $24,000 annual budget it also specified an additional $20 stipend per member for each meeting -not to exceed two paid meetings per month.
The MAC Goes from Five to Seven Members
The MAC was next changed in 1991. Resolution R-91-497 from June 11, 1991 increased the size of the MAC to seven members (although it had been operating with seven members since 1984, it was not formalized for seven years) and increased the member terms to four years. Members were limited to serving two terms.
Membership Requirements and Stipends Expanded
The MAC remained the same for the rest of the 20th century, but was revised again in 2002 by Supervisor Miley. Resolution R-2002-378 changed things in three ways. First, membership requirements were changed to include not only Castro Valley residents, but also those who “actively own or operate a business is Castro Valley.” The maximum number of meetings was increased to 30 per year, and the per meeting stipend was increased to $50 per member. Other budgetary expenditures were limited to $12,000 per year.
A Third Monthly Meeting is Added
In 2004, Resolution R-2004-117 was passed which created a third monthly meeting devoted specifically to “matters relating to public health, safety, welfare and public works” on the third Monday of each month (what is referred to today as the MAC general purpose meeting.) The existing meetings on the second and fourth Monday were tasked with considering “land use and planning issues.” The resolution also increased the maximum number of annual meetings to 40 and bumped other budgetary expenditures up to $14,000.
Geographical Scope and Terms Expand
2010 saw the most recent update with Resolution R-2010-44. This changed the area covered by the MAC to correlate with the boundaries of the 2010 Castro Valley General Plan, and allowed for the nomination of a new member by a Supervisor representing a district other than the fourth, if a portion of their district fell within the General Plan boundaries after any redistricting in the future. It also allowed for members to serve a third four year term in order to be in line with all other county boards and commissions while also changing the terms to start on the date of appointment. This was to ensure “carryover on the body” through the years.