2006-07-20 Cost of Government Commission Minutes

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Motion and Vote: Ms. Nicholson moved to recommend that the Highway Maintenance Division of the Department of Public Works pursue negotiations with the union to go to a 10- hour, 4 -day work schedule for employees. Mr. Joseph seconded the motion. Ms. Stremski said she agreed. After no further discussion, the Chair called for a vote and all members voted aye. Motion and Vote: Mr. Joseph moved to recommend that the County try to incorporate or consolidate all the State highways into the County highways system, as Mr. Nakasone felt it would be more efficient and for home rule. Ms. Stremski seconded the motion. All members voted aye. The Chair said that a good point was made about hiring out grant writers instead of employing them in- house, but he noted that hiring grant writers was on the list of recommendations. So, this issue could be discussed when they get there on their list. Motion: Ms. Nicholson moved that the Building Division's budget request for more training, conference, and travel funds be increased, if possible, into the next budget cycle. Ms. Stremski seconded the motion. Discussion: Mr. Joseph said he was confused on this issue, as Mr. Kajikawa had said that he cannot add to his budget and that it does not increase. However, when a budget is being made, aren't recommendations to increase taken into consideration? The Chair said that Mr. Kajikawa said his increases always got taken out. He did not know if that happened at the division level, department level, mayor, or County Council level. However, he got the impression the requests were made but denied. Mr. Joseph said he would prefer in the motion wording that the travel budget be "adequately funded" rather than "increased." Motion withdrawn: Ms. Nicholson withdrew her motion, and Ms. Stremski withdrew her second. Ms. Nicholson said they could recommend increased opportunities for training, conferences, and meetings for the Building Division staff to broaden their knowledge. Ms. Provalenko said that there are opportunities, but if there is no funding, how could it be done? Mr. Joseph noted that on their draft list of recommendations, item 12 is about providing professional development opportunities for departmental staff and felt that covers the wording of the motion they were trying to make. Ms. Nicholson said it was interesting, though, that Mr. Nakasone seemed to feel they did not need more in this area. However, the Building Division seemed to need it. The commissioners discussed how to word a motion in this regard. Motion and Vote: Mr. Joseph moved that they recommend the Building Division be provided with an adequate travel budget in which certification and training opportunities would be available to staff. Ms. Nicholson seconded the motion, and all members voted aye. 14