2015-01-15 Cost of Government Commission Minutes

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Discussion held and recommendation amended to read as follows: Implement the green waste fee program for commercial haulers approved for the County Code in 2005, as means for generating department revenue. Motion and Vote : Mr. Matsuda moved to approve the recommendation as amended. The motion was seconded by Mr. Perry and all Commissioners present voted aye. P. List of top ten County projects/initiatives that could impact the budget (i.e., LED street lights, possible waste to energy and more renewable energy projects). Ms. Kierkiewicz thinks the Executive Summary should list some projects that are cost savings over time and provide public benefit. Mr. Mitchell commented the Commission’s best recommendations have been from County people. Ms. Garson asked where the list of projects came from. Ms. Kierkiewicz replied she looked through the budget and pulled out what would provide cost savings over time. She listed the street lights, the wind farm, the solar arrays on County buildings, the new jet ski program, new parks including the one in the Pāhoa district which is the largest expenditure for recreational facilities, the Pana‘ewa complex and the fire stations at Makalei and Pāhoa. Ms. Garson questions the list because those projects are not happening right now. Mr. Mitchell said some are current and some are outdated. Ms. Kierkiewicz said to just acknowledge it in the different sections for the departments. Discussion held and Ms. Maddox stated recommendation “P” is being withdrawn it in its current form. Q. For the Introduction section of the final report, state the challenges the community faced. Ms. Maddox stated items for the Introduction were discussed in recommendation “P”. R. Develop a Countywide policy and plan to convert County vehicles to biodiesel wherever possible using a local producer, which will contribute to a diversified economy, sustainability for local agriculture through cultivation of biodiesel-related crops. (12/4/14 meeting minutes, pg 10, BJ Leithead-Todd presentation) Mr. Mitchell commented the County must reduce its dependency on fossil fuels. Ms. Garson said this recommendation is for the diesel but it is in the overarching theme. Ms. Maddox said, because it is the highest cost in the nation and the County is the largest consumer of electricity, all departments use energy in one way, shape or form it was decided it was an overarching theme. 19