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MINUTES Page 13 City of San Leandro City Council and San Leandro Redevelopment Agency Joint Meeting-March 3, 2008 Mr. Jermanis commented on the length of time between the initial recruitment process and deployment of police officers. He indicated that the Council could defer this item until the ad hoc committee has had time to review the matter. Mayor Santos commented that the Finance Committee's recommendation attempted to address the need for an enhanced public safety presence that has been expressed by the community. Councilmember Souza concurred with Councilmember Starosciak's comments. She commented on the importance of educating the public about the realities of hiring more police officers, and she stated that she did not think the public is aware that it takes as long as 15 months to get more officers on the street. Councilmember Souza noted that if the Council approved the additional positions without identifying a funding mechanism, it would need to be prepared to make an additional $1 million in budget cuts next year to maintain the additional police positions. Councilmember Souza stated that the Council should perform its due diligence before taking action to add the positions. Councilmember Gregory commented that the ad hoc committee will need to consider this along with many other issues, including whether the School District pursues a parcel tax. Vice Mayor Grant provided background as to how this item came forward as a Committee recommendation. She stated that Police Chief Attarian presented a plan to the Finance Committee, which included the additional positions. The Finance Committee agreed with the Chief's plan, and to the use of reserves to establish the necessary positions to implement the plan. Councilmember Prola commented that he has expressed the need for a crime prevention officer and an officer to patrol each City beat. Councilmember Prola stated that it is reasonable to have the ad hoc committee work on the issue first. By consensus, the City Council referred the matter to the ad hoc committee. c. Establish a City Council ad hoc committee to address funding for Police Department staffing and City facilities and infrastructure. By consensus, the City Council approved this recommendation. Mayor Santos stated that the members of the ad hoc committee are Vice Mayor Grant and Councilmembers Gregory and Starosciak.