2015-01-15 Cost of Government Commission Minutes

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Ms. Garson thinks this becomes part of the Executive Summary rather than a recommendation. Ms. Maddox would feel more comfortable if eat lunch at their desks and they arrive early and/or stay late is left out because it is not necessarily a measure of working during that time. Mr. Kierkiewicz asked if it is going to include spending personal money. Mr. Mitchell said certainly personal time. Mr. Maddox suggested removing that language. Mr. Mitchell noted personal time and resources is not so much about people bringing in their own resources versus money. Ms. Garson stated under union contract, the employee is compensated whether it is time off or money. Mr. Matsuda asked if employees are required to be compensated. Ms. Garson replied yes, under union contract; an employee cannot volunteer to do the job they normally do. Ms. Maddox said they are dedicated employees. Ms. Garson said personal time and money is benefit to the County. Mr. Espejo thinks that’s a good sentence to end the paragraph. Ms. Garson confirmed the Commission’s consensus that recommendation “D” is not a recommendation but would be included in the Executive Summary. All Commissioners agreed and no further action taken. Discussion held and language amended to be included in the Executive Summary. E. Fund three (3) positions dedicated to the protection of our County parks, beaches and recreational facilities from fire ants and spiders. Millions of dollars are at stake as the County has invested in family friendly parks and recreation centers, yet fire ants and spiders pose a very significant danger to these facilities. Mr. Mitchell said this recommendation came directly from Clayton Honma, Director of Parks and Recreation. Mr. Mitchell stated in going through the budgets, parks is one of the first and last things the Mayor talks about; family based recreation. When he asked about the Reed’s Bay facility, Mr. Honma said that was money extremely well spent because, when the families and tourists see that, they feel good about it. Mr. Honma was very specific about the fire ant and spider issues; they have $180,000 to get three (3) positions to fight the fire ant and spiders. Mr. Espejo asked if there was a specific reason they have three (3) positions. Mr. Mitchell replied that came from Mr. Honma; three (3) positions were funded in the budget two (2) years ago, each position is $60,000. Ms. Kierkiewicz asked if these positions are vacant. Mr. Mitchell replied they got funded but not permanently; they are not permanently in the budget. Mr. Honma wants these positions to be regular and should be sustained. Ms. Maddox clarified these positions to be funded permanent positions. Mr. Mitchell replied yes. Ms. Garson asked if the positions are created. Mr. Mitchell replied only on a temporary basis. Discussion held and recommendation amended to read as follows: Millions of dollars are at stake as the County has invested in family friendly parks and recreation centers, yet fire ants and spiders pose a very significant danger to 9