2006-03-02 Cost of Government Commission Minutes

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Mr. Joseph said he would rather take care of this item today and have the election. He does not want the Commission to get into the precedent of deferring action on agenda items because not everyone is present. He wanted to try to do as much as they could while they were all there so they don't get into a system of deferring, because they will always have the problem of not everyone being present. Mr. Sakaguchi said his reason for deferral is because this is the first meeting and because some of the commissioners have an easier time getting out of work and attending the meeting than others. He said he did not want to discriminate against someone who cannot take the time out. However, if someone consistently cannot make the regular meetings, the Mayor may need to think about replacing them. Ms. Cushnie asked if there were any further discussion. She then asked if she as the temporary chair may speak. Mr. Joseph said she could be part of the discussion. She said that the agenda was sent out at least a week ago and that all the Commission members knew what was on the agenda. She felt that if she could not be present for any reason, she would want the other members to go ahead and proceed with business. She said she has no interest in being the chair and in forcing the issue today, but the opportunity is here and they are adequately represented and so should proceed in choosing the chair and vice chair. She said it could be open to future discussion if they should decide to rotate chairmanship. She would like to feel a sense of accomplishment in getting through this today and in moving on with the agenda. Ms. Cushnie said the motion is back on the floor, to defer the election until March 16, 2006. She asked all who was in favor of the deferral: Mr. Sakaguchi voted aye. Ms. Cushnie asked all those opposed to deferring the election to vote. Mr. Miyasato, Ms. Stremski, Mr. Joseph, and Ms. Cushnie voted in opposition to the deferral. The motion to defer was denied. Ms. Cushnie moved on to the election of officers for discussion. Mr. Sakaguchi said he had a question: If he were to leave right now, would there be a quorum? Ms. Garson said no. He said that the motion would then be automatically deferred. He said he did not want to use the threat of leaving but said the meeting has gone on for two and one -half hours and that he is on medication and needs to eat. Ms. Cushnie asked Mr. Sakaguchi if he would like them to break for lunch. He said that since some of the members wanted to go ahead with the meeting, to go ahead and do so. Mr. Joseph said he believed they could finish the meeting in about 20 more minutes. Mr. Sakaguchi said he had food in the car and that he would try to hold on. Ms. Garson explained that in nominating the chair and vice chair, they could nominate for chair and vice chair together, or do it individually with first the chair and then the vice chair. Mr. Sakaguchi moved that the chair be elected first. Mr. Miyasato seconded. 15