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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.24.22. COG Commission. Minutes - Approved COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION c/o Office of the Mayor, 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603  Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720  COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES February 24, 2022 INTERACTIVE CONFERENCE TECHNOLOGY (ICT): ZOOMGOV CALL TO ORDER \[2:00 p.m.\] Chair Konowicz called the meeting to order with quorum. ATTENDANCE Present: D9 Michael Konowicz, Chair D1 Neal Herbert, Vice Chair D2 Matthias Kusch \[joined meeting at 3:30 p.m.\] D5 Shannon Matson D8 Karie Wakat D7 Daniel Malakie III Excused: D4 Madie Greene D6 Ken Obenski Absent: D3 George Espinosa Additional: Robert Command, Deputy Managing Director Malia Kekai, Deputy Corporation Counsel Waylen Leopoldino, Director, HR \[Present for a portion of the meeting\] Pomaika‘i Bartolome, Executive Assistant \[Present for a portion of the meeting\] Jeannie Miskovich, COG Secretary – Office of the Mayor INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS Waylen Leopoldino, Director, Department of Human Resources STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC One (1) written public testimony received and provided in Board Packet Discussion: Commissioners have reviewed the testimony and supporting documents. Commissioners will identify ways to solicit more public feedback APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM FEBRUARY 10, 2022 Commissioner Herbert moved to approve the minutes of February 10, 2022 Commissioner Matson seconded the Motion. Voice Vote: Ayes: (5) Unanimous \[2:04\] 2/10/2022 Minutes Approved COMMUNICATIONS None County of Hawai‘i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. PRESENTATIONS \[2:05 p.m.\] Waylen Leopoldino, Director, Human Resources presented a high-level brief overview of County HR functions and the “Great Resignation” Discussion / Q & A Session followed \[2:30 p.m.\] Waylen Leopoldino presented a Power Point – “Labor Relations Overview “. The presentation is on file. Discussion / Q & A Session followed. Commissioners discussed labor contracts as they relate to size of government, usage and costs of county vehicles, and workman’s comp/safety initiatives. Commissioners explored use of community service hours, internships, work programs to supplement workforce, employee retention and exit interviews for actionable data, post pandemic remote and hybrid work, telework, and the possibilities of a 4/10 work week. DISCUSSION, REVIEW, AND ACTION OF IDENTIFIED FOCUS AREAS REGARDING COST SAVINGS, REVENUE GENERATION SUBMITTED BY COMMISSIONER FOR CONSIDERATION \[3:58 p.m.\] Chair called for Commissioners to identify their Top 3 areas of interest from the compiled summary (document provided in the 2/24/22 Board Packet) Top 3 subject areas determined: 1) Solid Waste and Wastewater - Department of Environment Management 2) Building Permitting Process - Department of Public Works 3) Automation/Digitization/Credit Card Capabilities- IT, Purchasing) Discussion: Chair Konowicz asked Bobby Command if the administration was currently looking into any of these specific subject areas. Bobby Command addressed the new EPIC system to automate the permitting process, which should be in full implementation by April 2022. Also discussed was a mobile app specific to Departments but not yet county-wide. \[4:02 p.m.\] Commissioner Kusch made a Motion for the Commission to begin to focus on the Top 3 identified subject matter (listed above) and as time or sub-group allows, we will follow up on other areas of concern. Commissioner Wakat seconded the Motion Roll Call Vote: Ayes (6) Unanimous Motion Passes DISCUSSION, REVIEW, AND ACTION ON PROPOSED COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION RULE AMENDMENTS \[4:06 P.M.\] Any Cost of Government Commission rule changes will require posting of the proposed amended rules to the public for 30 days and a hearing scheduled after the 30-day posting. Malia Kekai, Corporation Counsel, drafted red-line amendments (document included in 2/24/2022 Board Packet) \[4:08 p.m.\] Commissioner Wakat made a Motion to accept the red-line changes to the current rules and to use that document as the working copy for posting for public comment Commissioner Matson Seconded the Motion Discussion: Commissioners agree \[4:10 p.m.\] Roll Call Vote: Ayes(6) Unanimous County of Hawai`i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. Motion Passes \[4:11 p.m.\] The document will be prepared for posting for 30 days for public comment. DISCUSSION ON ITEMS TO BE PLACED ON NEXT AGENDA \[4:14 p.m.\] Discussion: Chair Konowicz suggested scheduling one or more meetings to be held in the evening to solicit public involvement and input. Bobby Command will check with HR on the option of holding meetings after regular work hours. Commissioners discussed ways to drive public attention to the County website via press releases, social media, and newspaper advertisements. Commissioner Herbert directly addressed the submitted written public testimony regarding LLCs /Septic Tanks. Commissioner Matson suggested a brief overview of the Konno v County of Hawai‘i decision regarding privatization of public services be presented by Malia Kekai, Corporation Counsel for clear understanding. Bobby Command will send an invitation to Ramzi Mansour, Director, Department of Environmental Management, requesting a presentation and overview if the County of Hawai‘i Solid Waste and Wastewater systems. ADJOUNMENT \[4:24 p.m.\] Commissioner Kusch made a motion to adjourn Commissioner Matson Seconded Voice Vote: Ayes: (6) Unanimous Meeting adjourned at 4:25 p.m. County of Hawai`i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.