2006-04-06 Cost of Government Commission Minutes

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The Chair said they may receive different responses from the division heads than from the director, as the division heads should have the in -depth knowledge of the day -to -day operations. Ms. Cushnie asked whether the COGC's letter should go to department heads or division heads, and Ms. Garson said that some department heads will automatically bring their division heads and ask for their input. The Chair said that Ms. Bell did not get a chance to say all she wanted to say, and she did not get to go into the divisions. Ms. Nicholson said they need to look at each department in its own way. She said it would be good to talk to the DEM's two division heads if they're available, although Ms. Bell can come if she wants to. Ms. Cushnie said that Ms. Bell was here for two hours and asked what she did not address, so they could prepare for the next departments. She did not want to waste anyone's time. Ms. Nicholson said that Ms. Bell thought what the COGC was asking was vague and said she did not seem prepared to answer the questions, though she had seen them in advance. The Chair said he would have known a lot of the answers in his head, if he were a division head. Ms. Cushnie said they would want it in writing, though. Ms. Garson said she could ask for the division head or the head's designee. She believed the head of Wastewater has been out sick and asked the COGC if they wanted someone else to appear. Ms. Nicholson asked if the head or designee would feel free to talk candidly, and Ms. Garson said she thought so. The Chair asked if everyone was all right with listening to someone appointed by the division head. Ms. Garson said she would e -mail the questions to the division heads and tell them to either appear on April 20th or to send someone else. The Chair said the Department of Public Works could be set up for early May, and Ms. Nicholson said that if the Wastewater and Solid Waste division heads cannot come on April 20, then Public Works would be next. She said if a department head is gone, they could switch and do another department first. She said they are aiming for departments rather than deputies. Ms. Garson asked whether the discussion on prioritizing departments should be taken off the agenda, and the Chair said to leave it on. 23