Minutes 1999 0621 - Laserfiche WebLink

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NImutes -City of San Leandro City Council, Page 5 San Leandro Economic Development Agency, San Leandro Housing Finance Corporation, San Leandro Public Financing Authority, and San Leandro Redevelopment Agency Joint Meeting -June 21, 1999 City Connection; youth employment; senior activities; cutting staff; and giving those tasks to a consultant, which she feels will not necessarily save money. Council Member Lothrop indicated the City Council Finance Committee did ask several questions, as stated by Council Member Loeffler. She stated part of her frustration is about the process. She expressed concerns with the Youth Employment Program. With respect to a Grant Writer, she suggested looking to the DARE Program, which has been very successful in attaining grants. She further indicated her concerns for cuts in various programs, including reductions to the Monarch ButterIly Program. She indicated not having a scientist would take away from the educational value of the program. She further expressed concerns with reductions in park maintenance and the elimination of the public-safety dispatcher. Vice Mayor Galvan remazked that he, too, has frustration with the process. He noted he would like to see the City Council Finance Committee do the job of a Finance Committee, stressing there is a need to have serious discussion regarding revenue generation. He further stated that the City Council needs to prioritize what programs are subsidized and which ones need to be "pay as you go." He asked when the cost-allocation study would be done and noted a Grant Writer should generate revenue to offset costs for the position. He further questioned whether staff is exploring putting an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in one of the two, new fire stations. He stated he agrees with amulti-year budget process and said there is a need to take a hard look at revenue generation. He concluded by stressing the need to talk about privatization of services. Council Member Loeffler commented on the assumptions staff made of "core services" for the City. He feels "core services" should be defined by a citizens/management team/City Council committee. He further stated, as a member of the City Council Finance Committee, he did not see the details of the recommended budget until the full City Council saw them. He added that he did ask about costs during the City Council Finance Committee meetings but was not given any answers. He further expressed concerns with costs for overtime. He concluded by commenting on his concerns for reductions in youth services and indicated families aze a priority, as well as youth programs. Council Member Glaze said the recommended cuts in the budget should be prioritized. If the City does receive the additional ERAF money, there may be some proposed cuts that aze not recommended for reinstatement. He expressed his disappointment the reductions did not get ironed out within the City Council Finance Committee meetings. He further indicated the "core services" have been the Enterprise Funds. He said he hopes the City Council Finance Committee does not just look at the reductions proposed but will look at the whole budget and make the budget fit the Vision Statement.