Minutes 2008 0602 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

MINUTES Page 4 Ciry of San Leandro City Council, San Leandro Economic Development Agency, San Leandro Parking Authority, San Leandro Public Financing Authority, and San Leandro Redevelopment Agency Joint Meeting -June 2, 2008 Academy gymnasium, and could draw funds away from the East 14th Street median project. Mr. Jermanis stated that staff has discussed with the School District the possibility of prepaying for the right to use the gymnasium for the City's recreation programs. Mr. Jermanis indicated that there will likely be a Redevelopment Agency contribution to the gymnasium project, and the City Council Finance Committee will give further direction on the amount of the contribution. Vice Mayor Stephens shared the concerns of his colleagues that the City not become overextended. He advocated a more strategic approach to budgeting, to ensure that the City does not get ahead of its reserves. Vice Mayor Stephens commented that the City's long term revenue source is economic development, with new businesses generating new revenue streams. He conveyed to the Ad Hoc Committee that, at a time when residents are being hurt by high gas prices, a request to raise taxes may not resonate with them. Vice Mayor Stephens stated that he supports adoption of the budget tonight with the caveat that we proceed slowly in adding new expenditures, and that new hires be linked to economic indicators for the future. Mayor Santos commented that the parking garage and the Senior Center are not new projects, and the suggestion to prioritize projects is valid. He noted the tremendous demands on RDA funds. Councilmember Souza expressed concern that there is no revenue or expenditure detail for the Redevelopment Agency budget, and therefore no way to determine the level of support for the LINKS Shuttle. She suggested that the Council have a discussion about the goal of the LINKS Shuttle, in order to determine who should be served and how best to serve them. Councilmember Souza noted that while LINKS is a valuable service, it is sustained by RDA funds, and as the Mayor pointed out, there are tremendous demands for those funds. She suggested that, if possible, the vote on the RDA budget wait until the Council has the information it needs to have an informed discussion. Mr. Jermanis suggested that staff could provide a similar presentation on RDA funds as was given on General Funds. He commented on the various revenue sources for the LINKS budget: West San Leandro-MacArthur Redevelopment Project Area funds, grants, and the Business Improvement District (BID) assessment. Mayor Santos commented on the gaps in public transportation service in San Leandro. He recalled that two Councilmembers were appointed to an AC Transit committee, but he does not believe the committee has met. Councilmember Gregory suggested that the AC Transit committee issue be addressed at the work session next week. He stated that, as a member of the Revenue Ad Hoc Committee, he would take Vice Mayor Stephens' comments to heart regarding linking new hires to economic indicators. Councilmember Gregory commented on the innovative things Redwood City is doing through their Parking Authority.