2012-03-05 Salary Commission Minutes

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Chair Handgis asked for the Commission's feedback on whether they want to disclose this to all the departments and welcome them to come in and give testimony at the next meeting. Mr. De Lima stated that it's up to the departments whether they submit written or oral testimony. They cannot tell them not to come to the meeting; it's up to them whether they come or not. He suggested that Mr. Takahashi's proposal as well as a copy of the minutes be attached as information. MOTION: Mr. De Lima moved to table this matter to the next meeting and send out a notice to all the department heads, including Council members, which should include Mr. Takahashi's proposal and a copy of the minutes, and an invitation to submit written comments. The motion was seconded by Ms. Stroh and unanimously carried. Mr. Takahashi stated that included in the proposal is information on the highest paid civil service employees salaries, the top salaries for fire fighters in the department, as well as top salaries for the police offers in the department. There is also a chart that shows the differences between the salaries of all the other positions in the counties, information on population, operating budget, number of employees in the department. Mr. Takahashi asked whether the Commission would like anything else provided to them before the next meeting. Members responded that they were satisfied with the information. Pursuant to Ms. Wong's request that they receive departments' comments as they come in, Ms. Lugo stated that they'll be provided to the Commission; however, she asked everyone be aware that they are prohibited by the sunshine law from having any discussion on those responses outside of the meeting. Two Commission members can speak about it amongst themselves so long as no commitment to vote is made, but be careful to not have serial communication about it. It's safest to not talk to each other till the Commission meeting. Ms. Stroh noted that she didn't see any comparisons on Council members and requested that that information be provided. Ms. Nitahara referred her to Exhibit 9 in the data book with said information. B) Communication No. 12 -01, dated February 14, 2012, from County of Kauai Salary Commission, requesting information regarding establishing non - bargaining employees' salaries. MOTION: Mr. De Lima moved to file Communication No. 12 -01 and request Mr. Takahashi to respond on behalf of the Commission. The motion was seconded by Ms. Wong. U