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<br /> <br />Law which is becoming common, but is expensive. They understand the cost <br />and time spent on Westlaw is very valuable time. <br />· Perception is that as law offices go more automated, old books, periodicals <br />and digest or journals might not be used as much in the past. It is more <br />common to cite using electronic resources versus using the book resources. <br />· Feels the need to modernize and improve but may be cost prohibited. <br />Expensive to align programs and updating subscriptions so trying to find <br />similar platforms. Security and confidentiality in using technology is <br />enormously important. <br />· Tickler serves/prompts to inform of violations. Increase technology and the <br />ability to communicate between different departments, for example <br />communicating with DEM and on their tipping fees. <br />· Many employees exceed the standard workweek hours in fulfilling their <br />positions. <br />· Pleased and surprised at the amount of work and the level and quality of work <br />being done – the department serves the County extremely well. <br />· Pleased by the cost effectiveness of the department. <br />· County is slow at times to file, compel or force payment to collect on <br />delinquent accounts. For example, the County operates on $400,000,000 <br />per year, but delinquent accounts only brought in $92,000 – this is an area of <br />concern. <br /> <br />Ms. Kierkiewicz requested clarification on ticklers and violations. Mr. Mitchell <br />explained that the departments don’t have the ability to communicate between each <br />other when an issue arises. They need the ability to provide notice or a tickler to prompt <br />someone that an action needs to be taken. In order to find information on one matter, <br />employees have to log in to more than one location. <br /> <br />Ms. Maddox asked if the filing of lawsuits is the job of Corporation Counsel. <br />Ms. Garson responded yes, but the collection of revenues is handled by each individual <br />department. For example, the Department of Water Supply, if someone doesn’t pay <br />their water bill the water gets shut off and that department takes care of collecting the <br />payment. The case is referred to the Office of the Corporation Counsel for legal action <br />after the department completes its process and is unsuccessful in collecting payment. If <br />the delinquency is small, such as $50, the departments will deal with them internally and <br />it would not be something the Office of the Corporation Counsel would file a lawsuit on. <br /> <br /> Ms. Maddox asked if Mr. Mitchell’s comment was that the timeline between filing <br />or the time allowed to go on before it becomes a suit could be shorter. Mr. Mitchell said <br />yes, specifically with the Department of Environmental Management. They had unpaid <br />fees of over $2.9 million in 2009 with delinquent accounts that are over 90 days at $1.5 <br />million. <br /> <br />Mr. Mitchell stated Ms. Stebbins has an open door policy, she does <br />“temperature checks” with staff and likes to be hands on. The Office of the Corporation <br />Counsel has reduced travel and training, and for the legal profession, they have <br />continuing education for the bar. The department adjusted their travel and training to be <br />more cost effective. They trained 380 employees across all departments. <br /> <br /> <br />3 <br /> <br /> <br />