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Commissioner Jacobs made reference to domestic partners and asked if County employees were <br />surveyed to see if anyone is interested. He suggested that if someone is interested, it may be cheaper to just <br />buy that individual an insurance policy. He feels it is something the County should do but the upfront cost is a <br />$25,000 surcharge and that is too much. He would like to see if it is an issue with County staff before adding <br />domestic partner coverage. <br />Elaine Holmes explained that they estimate 1 % or 7 employees may take this insurance. It will cost <br />the County 1 % for all employees as a condition of participation. <br />A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Gordan to authorize staff to <br />begin the process for a Request for Proposal for the countywide classification and pay study. <br />VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br />2. ORGANIZATIONAL ASSESSMENT -PLAN AND APPROACH <br />John Link said that during the November pay and benefits work session, the Board of Commissioners <br />expressed an interest in an organizational assessment and briefly discussed several possible areas for <br />review. He is recommending that the Board consider the fallowing five areas which have been impacted by <br />changes occurring in recent years: <br />^ Parks, open space and conservation <br />^ Solid waste <br />^ Services to the Elderly <br />^ Transportation <br />^ Public Information, communications and e-government <br />John Link said that this assessment would involve using internal staff and outside consulting support <br />which may not be the same far all areas but consultants who have expertise in specific areas. The time and <br />scope would be similar to that used far the Y2K study. <br />Elaine Holmes made reference to page three of the Orange handout, which listed the focus areas as <br />listed above and said that staff is looking for guidance from the County Commissioners on the next steps. If <br />the County Commissioners confirm that these are the specific areas and right approach, County staff will <br />move ahead with a plan of work. If the County Commissioners da not agree with these specific areas or <br />approach, County staff would welcome any further direction from them before continuing. <br />Chair Halkiotis made reference to the list of possible focus areas. He made reference to the <br />report heard earlier this evening from the Board of Health and noted that one of the long-term goals far the <br />Board of Health was to improve air quality. He had asked Health Director Rosemary Summers if they work <br />with the County's Department of Environment and Resource Conservation or the Commission for the <br />Environment and she indicated that they da review the agenda but that the Board of Health does not really <br />work with that particular department or commission on the issue of air quality. <br />Elaine Holmes said that there will need to be a strong staff component to this study. It will be <br />necessary to talk with the department heads to gather information. <br />Commissioner Brown feels that there needs to be collaboration between the County's Animal Control <br />division and the APS and wonders if this study could address that sort of organizational need. She wonders if <br />this study would show where coordination and issues should come together. John Link said yes as it relates <br />to specific issues as identified by the County Commissioners. He suggested that staff identify five ar six <br />issues this year and indicate how they integrate with County government. <br />Commissioner Brown asked if having a suggestion box would be appropriate or if these are the kind <br />