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<br />l\;IINUTES Page 9 <br />City of San Leandro City Council, San Leandro Redevelopment Agency, and San Leandro Public Financing Authority <br />Joint Meeting-May 17,2004 <br /> <br />Vice Mayor Glaze stated that his only hesitation is with the way the progran1 is funded. <br />He expressed concern that businesses pay for the Shuttle whether they use it or not, and <br />if the LIFT and other grants were no longer available, a larger burden would be <br />shouldered by the businesses. <br /> <br />Vice Mayor Glaze noted that this has been a divisive topic for the Chamber. He <br />expressed hope that the Chamber and business community can come together and "heal <br />some wounds." He stated that he hopes the Shuttle will continue to operate and that an <br />alternative funding mechanism can be found so that the BID can be eliminated in time. <br /> <br />Counciln1ember Stephens stated that parties on both sides of the issue have been very <br />persuasive. He noted that it is not an easy decision to make as both sides have valid <br />positions. <br /> <br />Councilmenlber Stephens expressed concerns with the process and with the duplication <br />of transportation service in the area with AC Transit, LINKS, the Flex Shuttle and <br />paratransit. He suggested looking into ways to combine some of these services to better <br />serve the needs of the con1illunity in a more cost-efficient manner. <br /> <br />Counciln1ember Badger also noted the difficulty of the decision before the Council. He <br />conu11ented on a CNBC news story that reported one of the most sought-after employee <br />perks is shuttle service from designated public transportation stops to work. <br /> <br />Counci1n1en1ber Badger commented that the 18-3 vote of support by the Chamber of <br />Commerce appears decisive. He voiced support for the Shuttle and expressed concern <br />that if the Shuttle service was discontinued, it would be difficult to re-start. <br /> <br />Councilmen1ber Grant asked when the LIFT grant funding ends. Mr. J erm ani s asked <br />Mr. Sims to clarify the funding situation for the Shuttle grants. Mr. Sims stated that to <br />his recollection, the $50,000 BART grant has been expended, the first Bay Area Air <br />Quality Management District (BAAQMD) grant received two years ago has been <br />expended, the $68,000 BAAQMD grant is partially expended and will be available <br />through the end of the calendar year, and the two-year LIFT grant still has a small <br />balance. Councilmember Grant asked when the BID would take effect if it were passed. <br />City Manager Jermanis replied that the assessment would begin in January with the <br />business license renewals. <br /> <br />Councih11ember Grant stated that, like her colleagues, she is struggling with this issue. <br />She pointed out the need for transportation and clean air alternatives, and she sees the <br />Shuttle providing both. She commented on an email she received from representatives <br />at AC Transit in which it is stated that AC Transit and BART are at risk of losing $9 <br />nlillion and $20 million respectively to the State. She expressed concern that the area is <br />about to see severe cuts in public transportation. <br /> <br />Councilmel11ber Grant stated that she would like to delay the decision on this matter <br />until the City's financial situation is better known and suggested the Chamber and the <br />