Department staff reported a current vacant position, plans to replace a copier purchased in February 2013 and said passport processing times have not changed from recent averages.

Staff member 1 (staff member) said, "Not at this time. I mean, we I did just hire someone in January." When asked about staffing, the staff member added, "No. And I still have a vacant spot. Yes. Okay." The remarks indicate one hire in January but at least one remaining vacancy.

On equipment, Staff member 1 described the copier that the department plans to replace: "The the copier that I would replace was purchased in 02/2013, and it's a workforce. So, some are built better than others ..." The staff member said the department has moved a spare unit into service temporarily.

Regarding passports, Staff member 2 (staff member) said processing time "has remained the same. I'm not sure," and referenced a past period of longer delays: "I know there was a period of time when there was a real delay." The staff member also said the department had seen higher call volume earlier in the year but that passport turnaround has returned to recently stable levels.

There were no formal motions or votes recorded on these operational items during the meeting. Staff did not announce a timetable for hiring to fill the remaining vacancy or for the copier purchase; costs for a replacement copier were not specified in the discussion.