2015-01-15 Cost of Government Commission Minutes

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N. Highlight specific recommendations from the 2010-2011 Report of the Cost of Government Commission the County has implemented. Ms. Kierkiewicz pulled recommendations from Wally Lau’s letter and suggested including this in the Executive Summary. Ms. Maddox said Mr. Lau was responding to the letter that went to the Mayor’s office. Ms. Garson thinks Mr. Lau provided a comprehensive summary; as the Managing Director he is administratively in charge. Ms. Maddox stated the Commission appreciated the Managing Director providing this overview of the previous report; they did find it helpful. Mr. Mitchell commented it showed an effective use of their time and not having to reinvent the wheel; it is guiding and steering the Commission to make their recommendations. Discussion held and all Commissioners agreed to revisit this item. O. Recommend the Cost of Government Commission be convened annually as opposed to every four (4) years. Ms. Maddox asked Ms. Kierkiewicz if she still felt the Cost of Government Commission should be convened annually as opposed to every four (4) years. Ms. Kierkiewicz wanted to put this out there for all Commissioners because it seems like a lot of work to complete in 11 months. Mr. Mitchell thinks every four (4) years is too long. Ms. Maddox noted this requirement is in the County Charter. Ms. Garson suggested doing a Charter amendment if the Commission wants to change the term of the Commission. Mr. Mitchell thinks the Commission would be more effective if they had more time to accomplish their tasks. Mr. Espejo also included all districts be represented. He finds it disconcerting that Council Members could not find one representative in their districts. Mr. Mitchell noted two (2) districts are not represented. Mr. Perry said that made quorum an issue. Ms. Maddox noted in going back at previous commission reports, other commissions felt the same way; some had chairs resign and others were not able to follow through with their tasks. Mr. Espejo said if the neighborhood or community is so called involved, then they should find somebody within the community to be just as involved. Mr. Mitchell agreed. Ms. Garson noted for some people what it came down to was they didn’t want to sit on an advisory commission. If they were going to devote their time and energy, they wanted to see results and be empowered rather than advisory. Ms. Garson noted the utility of this Commission has diminished since it was initially formed and 11 months is too short because it takes that long to get the Commissioner’s up to speed. The problem with a two (2) year term for the Commission is by the time the report comes out; it is at the end of the Mayor’s term. The Commission has been lucky to have really good people; it’s difficult to do this job in 11 months. Ms. Maddox noted Ms. Garson gave her a little bit of background in terms of the Legislative Auditor, the increased authority for that function. 15