CitySLUSD Liaison Highlights 2009 0319

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City and San Leandro Unified School District Liaison Committee March 19, 2009 Page 2 such as Library and Recreation services, and that the Council will attempt to protect as many full-time positions as possible. Councilmember Gregory commented that he feels it is disappointing that the San Leandro youth is disproportionately effected. Mayor Santos stated that the City has potential for revenue enhancement that may not be available to the District, and that the Council is not ready to make any decisions yet, but hopefully will finalize the budget before mid-May. City Manager Hollister noted that the City Council will have a March 23 Work Session on the City's budget, and staff hopes to get enough consensus and direction from the City Council to go forward with next year's budget. He continued to list the initial City reductions presented to the Finance Committee (5 percent reduction of public safety (police and fire); 15 percent target for other City departments), all of which cuts deeply into City services. An example of library cuts, the Mulford and South branches would have reduced hours and some popular cultural events may be eliminated. The Finance Committee directed staff to use more Self -Insurance Funds to help restore some of these programs; hours may be reduced for the Casa Peralta and the Art Gallery and History Museum. He stated two reductions that will affect the District: the elimination of the crossing guard program and the reduction of six sworn police officers, specifically impacting the District's School Resource Officer (SRO) program. However, on a recent trip to Washington, D.C. to attend the National League of Cities Congressional City Conference, Hollister met with representatives from the Department of Justice regarding the COPS program, in which six positions may be funded. The City was encouraged to apply for all six COPS positions. If the City secures possibly two or three of these positions, the District's SRO program could be restored. Mayor Santos indicated that he was in favor of applying for all six COPS positions. City Manager Hollister continued to describe the City's $11.5 million deficit, which has been cut to $2.9 million. He also described the City's strategies in shifting City personnel, (i.e., Golden Hand Shake option that increases an extra two years of service and not filling vacant positions). He stated that every effort will be made not to lay off full-time employees; however, some part-time positions may be laid off. There was a general discussion regarding Police position classifications. Board Chair Katz-Lacabe inquired as to the possibility of Safe Route to School Program funding the crossing guard program. Councilmember Gregory stated that there is funding through the County, specifically available through Supervisor Alice Lai-Bitker's office, in which some neighboring cities are already using. Assistant Superintendent Chin-Bendib stated that she will work with the City's Engineering and Transportation Department staff to apply for State Safe Routes to School grant money. A discussion ensued regarding the expansion of the crossing guard program. 2. Discussion Regarding Solid Waste Service and San Leandro Unified School District City Manager Hollister gave an overview of the City's Solid Waste Services policy and explained that the City is in negotiation at this time with Alameda County Industries (ACI), which is increasing its rates 10% due to a recent collapse in recycling commodities, as well as a cost of living increase. In a response to the District's request that the City and ACI ratepayers provide free solid waste service to all District schools, as well as those schools located in the Oro