2006-07-20 Cost of Government Commission Minutes

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Ms. Nicholson said that Mr. Nakasone had recommended that there be performance standards for each division and that he had already developed them for his Division. He clearly felt other divisions would benefit from having standards. Should this issue be posed to Civil Service? The commissioners discussed performance standards and how certain divisions provide multiple services, which would make it hard to measure their performance and function. They felt Mr. Nakasone was trying to impress this issue upon them, however. Ms. Stremski suggested this issue be added to their list for Civil Service. The Chair suggested they ask other divisions about whether they have performance standards when they come in. He felt about half of the divisions would have a way to measure, and the other half would not. Ms. Nicholson suggested that as they were finished with having speakers from the Public Works Department, they review its response letter (Communication No. 2006 -51) and decide what to recommend. A break was called from 12:15 p. m. to 12:20 p.m., at which time the Chair called the meeting back to order. Motion and Vote: Ms. Nicholson moved to recommend that creation of a traffic hotline be investigated, pursuant to item 4a of the response from the DPW. Ms. Provalenko seconded the motion. All members voted aye. Motion: Ms. Nicholson moved to recommend that the DPW develop a prevention or safety- driven focus within each division, pursuant to item 6b of the DPW's response. Ms. Stremski seconded the motion. Discussion: Mr. Joseph asked what the purpose would be, and the Chair and Ms. Provalenko indicated they also did not understand this recommendation. Ms. Nicholson said that right now the DPW is reactionary, as opposed to being pro- active. This is suggesting they add a pro- active component to their department, focused on safety. The Chair said he could not see employees searching neighborhoods for problems, if that is what was meant. Mr. Joseph said it could prove more costly. Ms. Garson explained that it was similar to risk management. If you see a pothole that needs fixing, you should get it fixed before receiving a claim for damages from someone. Vote: After no further discussion the Chair called for a vote. Ms. Nicholson and Ms. Stremski voted aye. Ms. Provalenko, Mr. Joseph, and the Chair voted against the motion. The motion was not passed. The Chair said he only voted against it because it was hard to define, and he did not want to recommend something he could not defend or justify. He said they could always come back to it at another meeting. Motion and Vote: Ms. Stremski moved to file Comm. 2006 -51, Ms. Nicholson seconded the motion, and all members voted aye. 15