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HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PWIRC 014 04/03/2007 2006-2008 REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS DATE: Apri13, 2007 Re: Comm. No. 242/ Resolution No. 102-07 PLACE: Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa TIME: 9:30 a.m. Council Chair and Members Hawaii County Council Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Your Committee on Public Works and Intergovernmental Relations, to which was referred Resolution No. 102-07, reports as follows: Resolution No. 102-07, transmitted by County Council Chair Pete Hoffmann, via Communication No. 242, dated March 9, 2007, amends Rule No. 17 Reconsideration; adds Rule No. 30, Deputy County Clerk; adds Rule No. 31, Legislative Research Branch; adds Rule No. 32, Legislative Auditor; and renumbers the Rules of Procedure and Organization. The Council adopted its Rules of Procedure and Organization of the Council on February 22, 2007, and wishes to amend its rules in order to facilitate effective and efficient procedure and organization of the Legislative Branch. This Resolution had been postponed from March 20, 2007 because County Clerk, Casey Jarman had taken ill. There was one testifier from Hilo, Mr. Tim Reese. He testified that there should be some time for the Council to consider an issue that it agrees to reconsider. Reconsideration should not occur at the same meeting. During discussion, your Committee was informed by County Clerk Casey Jarman that this resolution clarified the definition of a Motion to Reconsider, and therefore Rule 17 was amended because of information from the Office of Information Practices. The job descriptions for the Deputy Clerk and the Legislative Auditor were reinstated. Chairman Hoffmann stated that the Council Rules are not "written in stone" and the Council as a legislative body should make changes as necessary to the Rules. He also thanked Ms. Jarman for her efforts. Councilmember Higa stated that he will make an amendment at the first reading about 5 days notice being necessary for a Motion to Reconsider. He had drafted an amendment at the last meeting but it was not given a Communication number. Ms. Jarman stated that it will be given a Communication number and be on the agenda for the First Reading on April 18, 2007. Councilmember Higa's amendment was to reinstate the language of the Charter stating that a Councilmember could not vote to reconsider if they had voted against the Bill originally. The other issue was that there should be a time limit on when a Motion to Reconsider in writing can be made. This was important so that bills could be sent to the Mayor in a timely fashion. Councilmember Ford mentioned that if a Motion to Reconsider was made and voted upon at the same meeting, the public would not be able to testify. County Clerk Casey Jarman stated that the Council was judicious in making Motions to Reconsider and reiterated that only a Councilmember who had voted in favor of the Bill could enter a Motion to Reconsider. Council Chair Brenda Ford asked for the vote. The Council Members voted unanimously to approve this Resolution. Your Committee on Public Works and Intergovernmental Relations is in accord with the purpose and intent of Resolution No. 102-07 and recommends its adoption. Dh ayes rvoes a&e ex Respectfully submitted, FORD g HIGA x COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND xoFFMANN x INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS IKEDA g JACOBSON g ~ NAEOLE g ~ /~i~~r(__ PILACO x BRENDA FORD, CHAIR vAGONG x PWIRC REPORT: 14 vosxtmoTO x ADOPTED: APR ~ B 20~~