2006-08-17 Cost of Government Commission Minutes

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Motion: Mr. Sakaguchi moved for the COGC to recommend that the Planning Department give high priority to moving forward on its computerization plans for records and on -line services. Ms. Stremski seconded the motion. Discussion: The Chair said that it is really the hiring of a consultant or information specialist which needs to happen first. Vote: All members voted aye. The motion passed. 6. DISCUSSION /ACTION ON DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL SERVICE RESPONSE TO THE COMMISSION'S LETTER DATED APRIL 10, 2006 Ms. Garson apologized, as this agenda item was to be deferred until the COGC meets with a representative of the Civil Service Department. 7. DISCUSSION /ACTION ON PENSION BOARD RESPONSE TO THE COMMISSION'S LETTER DATED APRIL 10, 2006 Ms. Nicholson noted that the Pension Board came up with some specific recommendations, including reducing the number of its members. She wondered who the COGC should make a recommendation to on this, and Ms. Garson explained that the Board is established either via the Charter or the Code, so it would take a revision of one of those. The COGC could make a recommendation to the Mayor. Motion: Ms. Nicholson moved for the COGC to recommend studying the number of people that would be most effective to serve on the Pension Board. Ms. Provalenko seconded the motion. Discussion: Ms. Garson explained that she has only a limited understanding of the Pension Board. Some County employees get their pensions through the County rather than through the Employees Retirement System, depending on whether they were hired before a certain date. Very few employees go through the Pension Board process. She offered to do research. Mr. Joseph asked Ms. Nicholson to clarify her motion. She said it is for the Mayor to examine the appropriate number of people to serve on the Pension Board. Mr. Joseph said the COGC is not in a position to make any recommendation on this Board at this point, as they do not know why it has seven members. Mr. Sakaguchi said the motion is just to say that the COGC heard the recommendation, does not know how to act on it, but will pass the idea on to the Mayor. Vote: All members voted in favor of the motion. The motion passed. Motion and Vote: Mr. Sakaguchi moved to accept and file the Pension Board's response, Ms. Stremski seconded the motion, and all members voted aye. The motion passed. 10