2006-04-06 Cost of Government Commission Minutes

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Ms. Nicholson asked if it made sense to review a department along with its associated commission. She wanted a discussion on the role of departments versus their attached commissions and whether they should be paired together. Ms. Garson made the suggestion that it may be good to review them together, as a commission might have a different idea from its related department about the efficient running of that department. Their suggestions could be considered in conjunction with a department's suggestions. Ms. Nicholson stated that she hoped the COGC's recommendations would go both to departments and commissions. The Chair said he felt if they looked at a department first and then the related commission, they would know better what to ask the commission. Ms. Garson pointed out that commissions will have to agendize the COGC's letter and work on a response at their meetings, so would need more time. She said the Planning Department is listed at No. 3, and Ms. Cushnie said Public Works is No. 2. Ms. Garson said the Board of Appeals hears appeals of decisions by the Planning Director and Public Works Director. The Civil Service Commission hires the head of the Department of Civil Service. Ms. Nicholson asked whether they wanted to query the associated commissions or not. If they decide to, they need to be consistent and try to get their responses back at the same time, so they could be paired together. Ms. Garson said because of the time involved, she would like them to decide today what they want to do, so she can send out the letters and have them respond. She guaranteed that some would not be able to comply with the due date on the letters. The Chair said the COGC needed to get back to prioritizing. Are they going to try and evaluate a department along with the related commission? Further discussion was held on how it may not be possible to get feedback from a commission at the same time as a department and that commissions do not have paid staff to appear and do not always meet often. The Chair asked Ms. Stremski if she wanted the Police Department to be prioritized. Motion: Ms. Stremski moved to prioritize the Police Department after the Planning Department. Mr. Joseph seconded the motion. Discussion: Ms. Cushnie asked whether it would be useful to identify the first five to six departments and see how the letters come back and pair them. Mr. Joseph suggested giving boards and commissions an additional month to respond to the COGC's letter. 17