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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-08-30 Cost of Government Commission minutes 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 AUGUST 30, 2018 HAWAI‘I COUNTY BUILDING, PUNA CONFERENE ROOM – HILO 25 AUPUNI STREET, SUITE 1501, HILO, HAWAI‘I CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Jones called the meeting to order at 9:08 a.m. ATTENDANCE Present: Jenipher A. Jones, Chairperson Margarita “Dayday” L. Hopkins, Vice-Chairperson Lenard Allen, Commissioner Barbara Ann Bongo Arthurs, Commissioner Ross E. Birch, Commissioner David A. Buehler, Commissioner Gregory Dale Larson, Commissioner Harry Lee McIntosh III, Commissioner (arrived 9:21 a.m.) Excused: Genevieve Puanani Woo, Commissioner ____ Also present: Dennis Kauka, Jr., Executive Assistant Aide – Office of the Mayor Angelic (Malia) Hall, Deputy Corporation Counsel STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC (none) CORRECTION TO AGENDA Commissioner Buehler motioned to amend the agenda to add the item for “discussion of response to communication from County Charter Commission”. Commissioner Larson seconded. Motion approved by voice vote – 8 ayes, 1 absent APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Allen motioned to approve the minutes for the June 14, 2018, June 28, 2018 and July 26, 2018 meetings. Commissioner Arthurs seconded. Commissioner Buehler abstained from voting on the minutes of the July 26 meeting since he did not attend. Motion approved by voice vote – 8 ayes, 1 absent (June 14 and June 28 minutes) Motion approved by voice vote – 7 ayes, 1 absent, 1 abstention Cost of Government Commission August 30, 2018 meeting minutes DISCUSSION OF COMMUNICATIONS WITH DEPARTMENTS FOR SUBCOMMITTEE WORK Members discussed the Cost of Government Commission policy as articulated in Article V, Chapter 2, Section 5-2.1 of the County Charter. All departments should be aware of the policy. It is referenced in the memorandum to departments to explain how the Commission will carry out its work. Commissioner Arthurs expressed concern over the purview of the Commission as set forth in Article V, Chapter 2, Section 5-2.2 of the County Charter. In particular, the word “all” in “each Commission shall…(b) study and investigate the organizations and methods of operations of all departments, commissions, boards, offices and other instrumentalities of all branches of the county government…”. Commissioner Arthurs noted that the Commission may not necessarily respond to “all”. The Commission concluded that this was part of the approach. While every agency may not have been studied and investigated in detail, all were reviewed and it was determined the areas covered in the subcommittee assignments would be focused on. The Commission’s final recommendation can also include that “all” were looked at then narrowed. Commissioner McIntosh suggested this can be done in an introductory paragraph. Commissioner Jones said that she has been utilizing the memorandum that was sent from the Mayor’s office to the departments explaining the Commissioner’s approach. She has not received any pushback when making inquiries. If there are any issues in communicating with departments, let Chair Jones know. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS The Commission indicated they are compiling information from the subcommittees, they want to put forward recommendations in the final report that everyone feels good about. They will consider possible options for revenue enhancement and/or cost reduction. Commissioner Buehler provided an example that if an idea would save the County about $50K, that may not be a substantial enough reduction to spend significant time on. Commissioners discussed perhaps taking a look at any benefits and downfalls of changing to a biennial budget for the County rather than annual fiscal years. Commissioner Buehler said it is good to be mindful of the policy declaration in the Charter when formulating the final recommendations as excerpted: 2 Cost of Government Commission August 30, 2018 meeting minutes Culture and Recreation Subcommittee members met with personnel at the zoo and golf course. Information discovered: approximately 285,000 people visit the zoo each year. The golf course has about 1,100 people each year that make approximately 58,000 visits. The zoo has experienced more visitor traffic due to the volcano eruption and the national park being closed. The zoo has a lack of help. Their total staff is 6 and 1 groundskeeper. The front area needs to be fixed to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Commissioner Jones would like to explore the possibility of some manpower borrowed from the golf course to be reassigned to the zoo. Commissioner Birch said this may involve dealing with union issues for employees. If staff are reassigned, it could be considered a lateral transfer but this needs to be researched. Corporation Counsel suggested checking with Human Resources. The “Friends of the Zoo” provides some materials. The subcommittee observed that some pillars of the zoo infrastructure are rotting in place and there are termite issues. Grounds keeping and beautification efforts would help make people want to visit. Zoo staff said the reason they are unable to charge for admission is lack of staffing. One thing to note when considering charging for zoo entry is that some local residents may stop visiting. The County could explore a discounted rate for residents. Volunteers run the petting zoo and gift shop. The golf course does well with their personnel and likely cannot take a hit to their budget. 3 Cost of Government Commission August 30, 2018 meeting minutes The subcommittee explored a fee recommendation. When looking at the deficit to make the course a “zero cost” status to the County, each player who goes regularly would have to pay about $47.50 per month. The course just began collecting for use of the rooms. Overall, the course has an operating budget of about $1.2 million. Health, Education and Welfare The subcommittee continues to gather information. Public Safety & Miscellaneous The subcommittee met online and are getting started. They intend to meet with the Prosecuting Attorney’s office. Sanitation and Waste Removal The subcommittee continues to gather information. DISCUSSION OF RESPONSE TO COMMUNICATION FROM COUNTY CHARTER COMMISSION Commissioners reviewed the communication from Charter Commission Chairperson Douglass Shipman Adams, which requested input and proposals from the Cost of Government Commission on how the Charter affects its role and operations. Commissioners discussed possible recommendations: extend the length of term for the Cost of Government Commission to 24 months, which could allow for follow-up on the recommendations insert an “enforcement” mechanism into the Commission’s purview that would require departments provide progress reports on recommendations Chair Jones will prepare a draft response for Commissioners to review at the next meeting for transmittal to the Charter Commission. ANNOUNCEMENTS (none) ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 10:57 a.m. 4