2006-03-02 Cost of Government Commission Minutes

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Mr. Sakaguchi nominated Ms. Stremski for chair, but she declined the nomination. Ms. Stremski then nominated Ms. Cushnie, who said she would accept only temporarily, to facilitate this meeting only. Mr. Miyasato moved that the nomination be closed. Ms. Cushnie seconded the motion. Mr. Sakaguchi asked Ms. Cushnie if she really wanted to be chair, as it meant she would have to be silent or neutral. Ms. Cushnie said she was willing to be chair just for this meeting. Ms. Garson asked who was in favor of Ms. Cushnie as temporary chair, and all members voted aye. Ms. Garson told Ms. Cushnie that we were at item No. 5 on the agenda, regarding the Sunshine Law. Mr. Sakaguchi asked if all the items except No. 5 could be deferred to the next meeting. Mr. Joseph said he would not be in favor of doing so and wanted to get as much business done today as possible. Mr. Sakaguchi said that Mr. Joseph was getting paid and that he was not. Ms. Cushnie asked for further discussion regarding the proposal to defer the rest of the agenda to the next meeting. Mr. Joseph said that he did not hear a second to the motion. Mr. Sakaguchi said that he was just asking. 5. PRESENTATION ON SUNSHINE LAW, PROTOCOL Ms. Garson explained that the purpose of the Sunshine Law is to give people a chance to attend meetings. The law requires the posting of an agenda six calendar days prior to the next meeting. The agenda items must be particularized enough that people can understand what is to be discussed. The only way an agenda can be amended is via a two - thirds vote of the members. Also, even if there is a two - thirds vote to add something to an agenda, it is not allowed if the item to be discussed is of importance to the general public. Agendas must also specify where a meeting is to take place and, if videoconferencing is available, where all the videoconferencing areas are. Ms. Garson also mentioned that in a videoconference, if the communication is cut off at any point in the meeting, the meeting must be ended, even if there is a quorum at one site. There may be some legislation being drafted to change this. All discussions and deliberations about board business between members need to occur at a meeting. Members are not allowed to call each other to discuss any agenda issue, nor are they allowed to communicate via e -mail. Ms. Stremski asked if the commissioners are allowed to speak to their constituents, if they were questioned. Ms. Garson said there is no problem with that. The Sunshine Law is really meant to prevent backroom dealings by commissioners. 10