8A Consent 2007 0618 - Laserfiche WebLink

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DRAFT MINUTES City of San Leandro City Council and San Leandro Redevelopment Agency Joint Meeting-June 4, 2007 Page 10 Alameda County cities. Mr. Greenwich commented that the draft ordinance represents a step backward in living wage policy standards as it does not reflect best practices and contains many waivers, exemptions and loopholes which may render the policy ineffective. Mr. Greenwich urged the Council to review the sample policy and memo from EBASE which contain what they believe are key provisions. Ausberto Beltran, San Leandro resident, conceded his speaker time to Sharon Cornu. Bud Beal, San Leandro resident, conceded his speaker time to Sharon Cornu. Sharon Cornu, Alameda County Central Labor Council, addressed the City Council, commenting on the discussion regarding a living wage, which was introduced over two years ago by then-Councilmember Santos. Ms. Cornu noted that the minimum wage no longer keeps up with the standard of living, and cities across the nation have considered living wage ordinances. She commented that the proposed ordinance would apply only to City contracts and investments, not all businesses. Ms. Cornu stated that San Leandro deserves a quality living wage ordinance that can be enforced and is competitive with the other communities in the Bay Area. She commented on the broad exemptions and waivers which could fail to protect workers and render the policy unenforceable. Ms. Cornu asked that the Council consider the language provided by EBASE and request that the City Manager and City Attorney meet with CLC and EBASE to discuss making improvements to the ordinance. End of Public Comments on Item 1O.B. Mayor Santos commented that his original intent was to ensure that workers hired to perform work under contracts with the City earned a sustainable wage, allow workers to afford housing, and reduce the level of poverty in San Leandro. Councilmember ProIa commented that he agreed with the suggestion that the ordinance could be improved. He indicated that he would like to take the CLC and EBASE model ordinance and the City's draft ordinance and try to combine them. Councilmember ProIa expressed concern regarding the many waivers and exemptions in the ordinance, and he expressed interest in incorporating better worker notification provisions, quarterly payroll reporting, strong anti-retaliation measures and fmancial penalties. Councilmember ProIa stated that he favored following the suggestion to have the City meet with the CLC and EBASE to develop an ordinance that the Council could approve. Councilmember Stephens commented that he appreciated the offer to have the interest groups meet with City representatives, and he noted that the Council would like to see a fair and equitable ordinance developed. Councilmember Stephens indicated that the Council has a Committee review process with staff support, and it should hear from constituents throughout the community, rather than hold special meetings between staff and certain groups, so that the community can be represented fully and fairly.