2015-01-16 Cost of Government Commission Minutes

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the Commission. Ms. Kierkiewicz thinks to be consistent everyone that came would have to be identified. Mr. Matsuda thinks it should be included. Discussion held and language for Environmental Management, Finance and Energy to include presentations made are amended to read as follows: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT The Commission appreciated Department Director BJ Leithead Todd, Deputy Director John Medeiros and Division Head Dora Beck attending a Commission meeting to share information and answer questions about all the department’s areas of responsibility. FINANCE The County’s detailed budget preparation process required multiple revisions with direction from the Mayor, prior to final submission to the County Council. All department heads interviewed demonstrated detailed knowledge of their department operating budget and have internal controls in place to remain within approved budgets. The Finance Department brings us great value and the residents of the County should be please by their professionalism and quality of work. The Commission appreciated Deputy Finance Director, Deanna Sako’s attendance at a Commission meeting to share information and answer questions about all the department’s areas of responsibility. ENERGY The price of electricity in Hawai‘i is the highest in the nation at more than 40 cents per kWh. County government is the largest consumer of electricity in the County and also uses significant amounts of fossil fuels to power County vehicles. Efforts to increase energy efficiency and leverage local resources such as sun and wind are being undertaken to drive down energy costs. The Commission appreciated Energy Coordinator, William Rolston, attending a Commission meeting to share information and answer questions about the energy projects on the island. Ms. Maddox asked for any comments on the recommendations for Environmental Management. Ms. Kierkiewicz asked who head of Solid Waste was. Ms. Garson replied Greg Goodale; he was not at the presentation, Deputy Director John Medeiros came in his place. Ms. Maddox asked if this is to cover the cost of sewer connection inspections. Ms. Garson replied it would not necessarily be tied to the exact cost because she believes sewer connection and inspections are done by employees. Mr. Espejo asked if the recommendation can include reference to collecting outstanding debts. Ms. Kierkiewicz replied no, not at this point. Ms. Garson stated it would be referenced in the Conclusion. Discussion held and Environmental Management Recommendation amended to read as follows: 6