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MINUTES Page 8 City of San Leandro City Council and San Leandro Redevelopment Agency Joint Meeting-October 2, 2006 Councilmember Stephens commented that as the Assistant Superintendent of Business Services for a school district, he understands the importance of the presence of SROs in schools. He noted that the school district received a .892% deficit reduction this year, a 5.92% COLA, over $400,000 in additional funding for equalization and a one-time block grant of $160,000, and the School District's budget is in better shape than the City's. Councilmember Badger commented that he would like to see all of the proposed items restored. He expressed concern about the poor condition of many of the City's streets and the lack of funding for the Pavement Management Program. Councilmember Badger commented that since he has been on the Council, he has been known for placing items in three categories: Must Have, Need to Have and Nice to Have. He indicated that he would put the Cherry Festival in the Nice to Have category, while the streets and roads may have to be rebuilt if not maintained. Councilmember Badger asked ifthe decision must be made tonight. Mr. J ermanis stated that the Council did not need to take action on these items tonight. He noted the importance of the budget as one of the most critical planning tools the Council approves, as it establishes the allocation of the City's resources. Mr. Jermanis commented that the Police Department has made many sacrifices over the past several years through the reduction of sworn officers without a noticeable impact to the level of service experienced by the community. However, the Police Chief does not have the optimal level of resources needed to effectively address particular issues. Mr. Jermanis stated that he and the Council are committed to restore the level of sworn officers to 94. He noted that San Leandro schools are fortunate in that the City provides safety services in the form of both School Resource Officers and Crossing Guards, and they have corne to expect these services. He indicated that the Police Chief has recommended the SRO position be restored, and Mr. Jermanis stated his support for this recommendation. Mr. Jermanis noted that it would difficult for organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce or community-based organizations to raise the funds necessary to run the Cherry Festival without significant support from the City. The $90,000 budgeted for the Festival represents the total costs and does not include possible offsetting revenues. Mr. Jennanis expressed caution about being overly optimistic, and commented that the Recreation and Parks Commission, through the Finance Committee, recommended a less resource-intensive one-day event held downtown to make it a community-focused event rather than a regional event. Regarding the Sunday Library hours, Mr. Jermanis commented that the added service would be greatly appreciated by the community. He noted that the City depends on the community-based organizations to provide critical social services to the community. Mr. J ermanis commented that the holiday decorations were the lowest priority on the list of items proposed for restoration, but were included in response to the many concerns and requests voiced by the community. Mr. Jermanis acknowledged Councilmember Stephens' concern that the Council is being asked to approve ongoing expenses from one-time resources, and future revenues