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<br />I\UNUTES Page 5 <br />City of San Leandro City Council and San Leandro Redevelopment Agency Joint Meeting~July 6, 2004 <br /> <br />Mr. J ermanis noted that the ad hoc committee had suggested developing a rebate <br />program for low-income senior property owners. The program has yet to be developed. <br /> <br />Councilmember Grant asked if the ballot language has been finalized. City Attorney <br />Williams indicated that the Council could amend the language if it chose to do so. <br />Councilmember Grant asked if the wording could be changed to make the nmnber of <br />sworn police officers and fire companies a "minimunl." She asked for clarification of <br />the meaning of Item 5 of Section 5 of the resolution. Ms. Williams stated that the item <br />pertains to the Sample Ballot and Voters Pan1phlet and does not preclude a campaign to <br />support the measure. <br /> <br />Councilmember Grant asked if apartment owners are considered a business for purposes <br />of business licensing. Mr. Jermanis confirmed that they are. <br /> <br />Councilmember Santos inquired about the current staffing level of sworn police <br />officers. Mr. J ermanis stated that the Council has authorized 94 officers through the <br />budget. However, staff has identified the need to reduce operating costs in the Police <br />and Fire Departments. Mr. Jermanis indicated that he has placed a hiring freeze on all <br />departn1ents, including the Police Departlnent, and if the parcel tax Ineasure is not <br />approved, he will not authorize hiring. He stated that the number of sworn officers is <br />currently 91. <br /> <br />Councilmember Santos commented that he also has concerns about equity and noted <br />that San Leandro businesses pay a much lower business tax relative to businesses in <br />other cities which base their business license tax on gross receipts. He asked if the ad <br />hoc committee had considered other alternatives to structuring the measure that may <br />have been perceived as more equitable. Councilmember Santos commented that he <br />understands the RHO's contention that they have been treated like a business for <br />licensing purposes but would be treated like residential property for purposes of the <br />parcel tax. He suggested that a n1eans test could have been established. <br /> <br />Councilmember Santos suggested an amendnlent to the ordinance which would not <br />limit the exemption only to low-income senior citizens but rather extend the exemption <br />to all low-income residents. <br /> <br />Councilmember Santos inquired about the RHO's statements and suggestions and stated <br />that it appeared that the City is treating apartment owners differently for purposes of the <br />parcel tax than for business licensing. <br /> <br />Councilmember Santos asked about the comn1ittee which will be appointed to author <br />the argument in favor of the ballot measure. Mayor Young stated that it was her <br />intention to ask the ad hoc comn1ittee to author the argument. Councilmember Santos <br />suggested that the ad hoc committee invite the Police Officers Association, Firefighters <br />Local 55 and possibly Local 21 to be present when the argument is being drafted. <br /> <br />Mr. J ermanis responded to the comments made by Councilmember Santos. He stated <br />that the parcel tax allocation is based on total land use in the City with about 40% of the <br />