Minutes 2006 1002 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

MINUTES Page 3 City of San Leandro City Council and San Leandro Redevelopment Agency Joint Meeting-October 2, 2006 Craig Williams, San Leandro resident and member of the Hayward Demos, addressed the City Council in support of a living wage. Mr. Williams cited a study that showed if the 1967 minimum wage was adjusted for inflation it would now be over $17.00 per hour. He noted that many other cities in the county have a living wage ordinance. Liana Molina, representative of EBASE, addressed the City Council, commenting on the work of EBASE to get living wage laws passed in many Bay Area jurisdictions. Ms. Molina stated that EBASE, along with community activists and local labor groups, are crafting a living wage ordinance to ensure that businesses that perform work for the City pay a wage of at least $14 per hour. Proposed language for the ordinance has been submitted to City Manager Jermanis. Harold Perez, San Leandro resident, addressed the City Council, inquiring about the requirements for obtaining a business license for a home business and the requirements for operating a group home. Mr. Perez commented regarding various problems with MY Transportation. 6. CITY MANAGER AND CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS AND COMMENTS Mr. Jermanis commented regarding the criteria for eligibility for a home occupation permit and the standards for group homes set by State Licensing. Mr. J ermanis noted that MY Transportation has been contacted regarding the issues expressed by Mr. Perez. Mr. Jermanis commented that the City Council has supported good wages for City employees and the businesses that contract with the City to provide services to the community. Mr. Jermanis reported that he met earlier this year with representatives from EBASE and the Central Labor Council, provided them with information, and is currently in the process of fulfilling another information request. He expressed some surprise that a living wage ordinance is now being proposed before all parties gain a common understanding of what it means and without first evaluating the many issues surrounding the subject. Mr. Jermanis suggested that he continue to work with EBASE and the Central Labor Council until the groups have sufficient information to prepare a report to the City. Mr. Jermanis can then work with City staff to bring the information forward to the City Council. City Attorney Jayne Williams reported that she received a call from the Alameda County Central Labor Council regarding their draft living wage ordinance, and she directed them to the City Manager. Ms. Williams commented that she was involved in drafting living wage ordinances for the City of Oakland, and it is a complicated process involving extensive public policy discussion. Mayor Young noted that while individual members of the Council have discussed the subject of living wage with members of the community, the subject has never been addressed by a City Council committee. She thanked the speakers for bringing the matter to the Council's attention.