2006-04-06 Cost of Government Commission Minutes

Home

Ms. Stremski asked whether there was a management orientation system already in place, and Ms. Garson said that the Corporation Counsel does provide training on contracts and the Sunshine Law and that each department has an attorney from Corporation Counsel assigned to it. So whenever a department has a question, they call the Corporation Counsel. She said that Ms. Bell came into the County from outside and was in a different position from the majority of employees that are already working for the County and are familiar with procurement policies. She said all attorneys also carry cell phones and are available for any questions from departments. Ms. Nicholson said they may want to ask other department heads those questions, then, to see if training is an issue for them, too. Ms. Garson explained that there are times when a person becomes a department director and it is new. Who trains that director? Corporation Counsel can train as to the law and procurement, but there is no one to train a person on how to run the department. So what would be useful and what to train on needs to be narrowed down. Ms. Stremski stated that she came from the State's health care system and that at the hospital they would have regular trainers, seminars, and orientations for all incoming supervisors on a quarterly basis. All new supervisors would have a two- to three -day seminar with brochures, presentations, etc. She said she assumed the County had a system to do that, too. Ms. Garson explained that the Civil Service Department does generalized training on supervision, sexual harassment, and workplace violence. An immediate supervisor is tasked with the job of training new hires. There is not a comprehensive program, and each department is handled differently. At Ms. Bell's level, they are appointed by the Mayor, and the opportunity for training does not necessarily exist, unless the former director kindly stays on to train. Ms. Nicholson said that if Ms. Bell prepares the DEM's response, she would assume the training will be one of her recommendations. The Chair asked if there were any further discussion. 6. DISCUSSION /ACTION REGARDING PRIORITIZING DEPARTMENTS/ BOARDS /COMMISSIONS OR ISSUES TO ACCOMPLISH THE MANDATE OF THE COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION Ms. Stremski asked if the Police Department had been reviewed by the prior COGC, as she had seen a draft in the materials provided. Ms. Garson said that they were not in the final report. Ms. Stremski stated that Parks and Recreation is one of her main peeves, but that she was also interested in Police and public safety, not only for visitors but for residents. She suggested the Police Department be prioritized somewhere. 16