2006-05-04 Cost of Government Commission Minutes

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professional development opportunities for departmental staff so that they can improve government efficiency or operations and explore new approaches and new strategies to solve existing problems. Ms. Nicholson said that was better wording, as it was more specific on what the training is for. Ms. Stremski seconded the motion; and all members voted aye on adding it to their list. Motion and Vote: Mr. Joseph moved to recommend that, when it is appropriate, the County look at developing more opportunities in the area of wastewater recycling. Mr. Sakaguchi seconded the motion and said it should be pointed out that this would primarily be for environmental reasons, but would also generate revenue. All members voted aye on adding this to the list of recommendations. Mr. Sakaguchi said he had been dubious about studying the DEM but that he learned a lot, and that it involves health and safety issues as well as efficiency issues. Ms. Stremski said she was very glad that Ms. Beck came to their meeting. Mr. Sakaguchi said he is still disappointed, however, that the Mayor does not always appoint people who are qualified for the job. Ms. Stremski said it is the Mayor's prerogative to appoint people to head different departments, and that cannot be taken away. People could make suggestions to him privately, however. Mr. Joseph said just listening to a director does not give a full picture. (A break was taken from 12:1 7 p. m. to 12:23 p.m., when the Chair called the meeting back to order.) The Chair removed himself as Chair in order to suggest that the DEM have a long -term strategic plan, to include staffing and space needs, as it did not sound like they had one. Mr. Joseph took over as Chair. Motion and Vote: Mr. Miyasato moved for them to either produce or develop a long- term strategic plan, as the island is growing and is only going to get bigger. It needs a plan for staffing, facilities, replacements, etc. Ms. Stremski seconded the motion, and all members voted aye. Ms. Noda asked for clarification on the motion, whether it was for the entire department or just the Wastewater Division. Mr. Miyasato said it was just for the Wastewater Division, as he wanted to help Ms. Beck with her staffing, though there were other repercussions as well. Mr. Miyasato resumed as Chair and moved the agenda on to item No. 6. 6. DISCUSSION /ACTION REGARDING PRIORITIZING DEPARTMENTS/ BOARDS /COMMISSIONS OR ISSUES TO ACCOMPLISH THE MANDATE OF THE COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION. The Chair said they had prioritized five departments so far. The commissioners discussed whether they should leave it at five or add more. Ms. Nicholson said that because of some of the issues that came up, they may want to add the Civil Service Department as No. 6 on the list of priorities. 15