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I\lINUTES Page 6 City of San Leandro City Council, San Leandro Redevelopment Agency, and San Leandro Public Financing Authority Joint Meeting-May 17, 2004 Hayward because of the BID. He requested that the Council consider exempting businesses with 15 or fewer employees from the assessment. Robert Tucknott, Tucknott Electric, addressed the City Council in opposition to the BID. Mr. Tucknott provided an outline of his comments to the Council and spoke regarding non-employee Shuttle riders, the vote by the Chamber Board, the "Fair Ballot", the BID formation process, lack of support for the BID by businesses, air pollution generated by Shuttle buses, funding for the Shuttle service and duplication of AC Transit service. Michael Jacobowitz, 825 Collier Drive, addressed the City Council in opposition to the BID. He pointed out flaws and concerns with the BID process, and businesses that did not respond either because they did not get the City's ballot or were afraid to get involved in local politics. Mr. Jacobowitz stated that the BID can be "disestablished" and expressed concerns with the accuracy of the list of businesses that were notified. Dan Sullivan, Member of the TMO Staff, addressed the City Council, reading a letter submitted to hilTI by the senior human resources coordinator at Vertis. It stated that the company is unfamiliar with both the Fair Ballot process and the person who signed the document on behalf of the con1pany. It expressed support for the LINKS service. Howard Brainen, Owner of T\vo Cat Digital, addressed the City Council, speaking in support of the Shuttle and the BID. He stated all of his en1ployees use the Shuttle and that the service helps him attract en1ployees. Charles Gilcrest, 1271 Terra, addressed the City Council, reading a letter to the Mayor and Council from Pat Raposo, president and CEO of BroadlTIoor Electric Company. The letter expressed support for the Shuttle. Mr. Gilcrest noted that in a staff report presented to the City Council on July 16, 2001, a consultant hired by the Redevelopment Agency found that AC Transit service to the West San Leandro area was inadequate. Torn Guarino, Friends of the Shuttle, addressed the City Council as a volunteer supporter of the Shuttle. He spoke regarding the benefits of the Shuttle: reliable transportation, impact on employee morale, a model public/private partnership, a streamlined and econon1ical operation and a good return on a business's investment. Heidi Finberg, CEO of Chamber of Commerce, addressed the City Council, expressing the Chamber's support for the BID. She noted that more Chamber members have contacted the Chan1ber in support of the BID than in opposition. Ms. Finberg read into the record the names of several businesses that support the BID and noted that some businesses and riders have not come out in vocal support of the BID due to bullYing tactics on the part of the opposition.