2006-03-16 Cost of Government Commission Minutes

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Ms. Cushnie noted Mr. Merrill's word of caution at the end of his letter, that it may be difficult to get information from people if they believe their job or position of authority may be threatened. She stated she hoped that it would come out at today's meeting how their task would be approached, with reassurance that they would not be micromanaging. Ms. Stremski and Mr. Sakaguchi both stated that the issue is complicated and that they don't have expertise. The Chair informed the commissioners that the letter could be filed and revisited later. Ms. Cushme stated she would like a copy of the "Reinventing Government" book and "Decisions `88" that were referenced in the communication. Ms. Garson indicated she would look for those publications and if she could get a copy, she would bring it for everyone to look at, depending on the cost. The Chair said he had a comment on the communication - -that it was asking the Commission to reinvent the wheel. He said he hopes that the commissioners look for their own way of proceeding instead of looking back at what everyone else did. Together they are a group and their ideas can be just as valuable as anyone else's. He asked if there were a motion to file the communication. Motion: Mr. Joseph so moved. Mr. Sakaguchi asked if they were going to reconsider the communication later, and the Chair indicated that the motion was just to file it. Ms. Garson said she would follow up on the book and could agendize the matter. Ms. Stremski seconded the motion to file the communication. In discussion, Ms. Nicholson stated the motion was to table the communication and questioned whether they could potentially look at the referenced material, and the Chair responded that it could be agendized later. Ms. Cushnie asked whether it was proper procedure when filing a communication to send a letter of acknowledgement, and Mr. Sakaguchi stated that would be a good idea. Ms. Garson mentioned that these are older communications that went to the Mayor, not specifically to the Commission. She said if the Commission receives something, it can be acknowledged with a courtesy letter. Vote: The Chair asked for a vote on all who were in favor of filing the communication. All members voted aye. 3