2011-12-19 Salary Commission Minutes

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Mr. Handgis stated that he looks forward to coming to Hilo and being at the Commission meetings in person. He has done work with the State before, and while he hasn’t met Mr. De Lima before, he does think what Mr. De Lima is saying is completely logical. Oftentimes, people get hung up on the minutiae when they should be taking a view of the big picture. He also finds it disturbing that they need nine members but have only five. If they’re going to take this seriously, they need to step back, take a 10,000 foot overview, and try and fix more than one little piece at a time. He also doesn’t like the idea of being forced to make a decision to get him referred to as a precedent at future meetings. Ms. Stroh stated that she agrees with that wholeheartedly because everything that they’re going to do from now on will be exceptions to the law. Mr. De Lima reminded everyone of the motion on the table. Ms. Lundkvist seconded the motion, and the motion carried unanimously. Ms. Lugo stated that in regards to the Fire Commission’s request for the adjustment, she understands the concerns that Mr. De Lima and the Commission are raising, but she would like the Commission to look at Exhibit 3b, paragraph 5. Within the pay plan is a provision for the appointing authority, which in this case is the Fire Commission, to seek an adjustment. The current Fire Chief started at step A; now they’re seeking an adjustment. The reasoning is set forth briefly in the letter and not pursuant to paragraph 5. So there is a certain process in the pay plan, and Ms. Lugo just want to make sure the Commission understood this request is based on this process that’s allowed in the current pay plan to seek step movement upon request. Mr. De Lima stated that he would like Mr. Takahashi to provide the Commission with an example of adjustments made since the inception of this plan to give them an idea of how many exceptions were approved by the Salary Commission so that they can view things in some historical context. He really would like to revisit the whole concept of steps and salaries. He’s open minded to reviewing why it was done and what was done; and perhaps Mr. Takahashi could provide them with reading material on that so they can view things in an overall context. MOTION: Mr. De Lima moved to table the Fire Chief’s compensation until the next meeting or within 60 days. The motion was seconded by Ms. Stroh and unanimously carried. NEXT MEETING DATE The Commission scheduled its next meeting for March 5, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. 8