2015-01-16 Cost of Government Commission Minutes

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Examples include the federally mandated 20-year transportation plans and the International Association of Assessing Officers Technical Assistance Report Evaluating Property Tax Policies and Administrative Practices in Hawai‘i County (March 5, 2012). Discussion held and Parks & Recreation Recommendations 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 these facilities. Create and fund three (3) permanent positions dedicated to protecting our County parks, beaches and recreational facilities from fire ants and spiders. Explore combining the East and West Hawai‘i County Bands. Discussion held and Planning Recommendation amended to read as follows: Expand list of designers, lumber yards and contractors approved for the package homes “pre-approval” program. Discussion held and Public Works Recommendation amended to read as follows: The Commission appreciated the attendance of Director Warren Lee and Deputy Director Brandon Gonzalez at a Commission meeting to share information and answer questions about all the department’s areas of responsibility. Urge County Council to increase the current County fuel tax of 8.8 cents/gallon to a level commensurate with other counties, for the purpose of increasing funding available to repave roads in a timely manner. Ms. Maddox stated the Conclusion goes back to general statements. She suggested including a universal statement about the amount of information the Commissioners learned about how the County operates or the efficiency with which it operates and that the scope of responsibility and short timeline presented significant challenges. Mr. Espejo suggested including suggestions for the next Commission and strongly urges that each Council district is represented. Ms. Kierkiewicz suggested including how much time was spent learning about County government and the research and meetings done outside of regular Commission meetings. She also noted these recommendations really get to the heart of what this Commission was charged to do and that was to find ways to make government more efficient. Mr. Matsuda asked if the Council Members have a responsibility to help find Commissioners in their district. Ms. Garson replied they are asked to. Ms. Garson also suggested including to have at least one (1) previous Cost of Government Commission member. Ms. Maddox asked if the County Charter specifies the quorum. Ms. Garson replied it specifies the number of people. Ms. Maddox clarified that quorum is based on nine (9) members whether nine (9) are impaneled or not. 8