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MINUTES Page 8 City of San Leandro City Council and San Leandro Redevelopment Agency Joint Meeting-September 19, 2005 West San Leandro receive a corresponding percentage of ridership support from the Shuttle. Councilmember Nardine commented that it would be beneficial to analyze the Shuttle services provided to both the West San Leandro business community and to the community at large. She asked if there was an outside firm that audits the LINKS program. Mr. Jermanis commented that recently grant accounting and accounts payable for the program has been handled by the City's Finance Department. He stated that the SLTMO has an independent auditor who reviews the finance report for the Shuttle operations. Councilmember Nardine requested a copy of the most recent audit. She noted the large difference between the 2004-05 budget and the actual expenditures and suggested that the figures be listed side-by-side to facilitate comparison. She noted that the budget for marketing should have been fully expended and asked if the consultant budget is still needed. Mr. Galvan indicated that the amount budgeted for a consultant was used to hire an attorney who assisted the SLTMO with the BID process and was a one-time expense. Councilmember Nardine expressed the need to have a more realistic budget. Mr. Galvan stated that Davini & Co., a local CPA firm, examines the budget for the LINKS and provides analysis and feedback to the SLTMO. He also noted that in last year's budget, there were expenses, such as legal expenses, that were associated with the BID formation process and are not on-going expenses. Councilmember Nardine suggested that in the future, the businesses within the BID could be given special consideration, such as a reduction in the number of required parking spaces. She also suggested that riders could be charged a fee. Mr. Galvan noted that the success of the Shuttle service is due in large part to the fact that there is no additional commute cost to riders. Councilmember Nardine requested the 2005-06 LINKS budget. Mr. Sims indicated that the budget has not yet been finalized, but a draft can be made available to the Council. Councilrnember Grant asked if the Shuttle would continue to serve Davis Street and West San Leandro without the BID. Mr. Jermanis commented that both the funding from the BID and LIFT grant would be needed to continue the service. He noted that on grant applications, other revenue sources are required to demonstrate community support. It would be a policy decision by Council as to whether redevelopment funds would be used as a primary funding source. Councilmember Grant asked for clarification about the amount of assessment. Mr. Jermanis indicated that the $10.88 per employee would be the maximum amount that could be charged, and the Council could reduce the amount ifit so chooses. Councilrnember Grant asked if there would be a sunset on the BID. Mr. Jermanis stated that the BID would be in effect for an indefinite period, and the Council could discontinue it, based on a variety of factors, at any time. Councilmember Grant expressed appreciation for Mr. Jacobowitz's outreach efforts to get the community involved in the BID formation process. She stated that since there was not a majority protest, she would support the reformation of the BID. Councilmember Grant suggested that the City Council lobby AC Transit to improve service in San Leandro. She also suggested that the program could perform a