Minutes 2008 0122 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

MINUTES Page 12 City of San Leandro Ciry Council and San Leandro Redevelopment Agency Joint Meeting-January 22, 2008 does not serve the city well, as well as her opposition to Instant Runoff Voting. 3. Shoreline-Marina Committee Meeting of January 8, 2008. Accepted as submitted. 12. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Prola commented that he is in favor of having a Crime Prevention Officer in the Police Department to work with the homeowner associations and to try to prevent crime in the city. Councilmember Prola commented on the report from Police Chief Attarian that there are six officers to cover seven beats in the City. He stated that he would like to see seven officers, one for each beat. Councilmember Prola stated that he is in favor of majority elections and 1RV. He commented that IRV would save the City money, would ensure that successful candidates are elected by a majority of voters, is better for candidates, and that it would open the process and encourage more people to run for office. Councilmember Prola acknowledged the difficulty Councilmember Starosciak experienced in her election cycle. Councilmember Stephens commented that he is looking forward to the Council's discussion on tackling crime. He commented on the need to have along-term, sustained plan for addressing the crime problem, which will require sustained resources, as well as the need for pragmatic choices versus quick solutions. Councilmember Starosciak shared a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: "Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase," and she commented that the Ciry Council does many things by faith. Councilmember Starosciak commented on a constituent's report of low hanging wires at Merced and Spruce, which she suspects are new Comcast lines that are being installed throughout the city. She commented that the lines are thick and unsightly, and are connected at the intersections to black canisters the size of vacuum cleaners. Councilmember Starosciak stated that she would like the lines to be raised, and that it would expensive to underground them. Councilmember Starosciak commented that she would like the Finance Committee to discuss the establishment of a developer fee for public safety, much like the developer fees for parks and streets. Councilmember Gregory commented that he attended a function last evening with Mayor Santos, which featured blue grass and gospel music. The event was a fundraiser at Creekside Community Church to support Cox Elementary School in Oakland. Councilmember Gregory stated that he hoped to see similar events in San Leandro. Councilmember Gregory addressed the perception of crime in the City, and thanked Councilmember Stephens' wife for starting a grassroots group to continue the dialogue. He pointed to the recent Godbe survey, which illustrated how the community values the "small town feel" of the City, and he noted that some residents have begun to realize that they must do their part to preserve this small town atmosphere. Councilmember Gregory stated that he welcomed any Police staffmg changes that would help accomplish this.