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Minutes - City of San Leandro City Council Meeting June 1, 1998 Page-4- A fair-wage-and-benefit package will be established for Conference Center employees, based on compensation levels which are comparable to similar facilities in the area. The Mayor then opened up the item for comments from the public. Jim Prola, 2234 Belvedere, addressed the Council, noting, if the Council approves the new Lease, it will be as if they are thumbing their noses at those who signed the referendum petitions. He feels it is necessary that there be a neutrality agreement, and they are prepared to do another referendum petition if they have to. He added that the upcoming Marketing Plan relies heavily on the Conference Center, which will be jeopardized by picketers. Jim DuPont, 548 - 20th Street, Oakland, addressed the Council, stating the monies being loaned to this project are being hidden under public improvements. He added that the Hotel and Restaurant Employees' and Bartenders' Union, Local 2850, AFL-CIO, opposes the proposed Resolution, under which the City would lease the former Blue Dolphin site to the San Francisco Bay Conference Center Resort, L.L.C. He added that the new, proposed Lease circumvents the will of the voters without addressing the fundamental concerns that have been raised regarding the proposed deal. He continued by stating they object to the proposed Lease on three main grounds: (1) it constitutes a giveaway of taxpayer dollars; (2) it primarily benefits the private developer, not the public; and, (3) it does not provide for decent jobs with a living wage or for protections against labor disputes. The City Manager responded by explaining the financing in greater detail and explaining the comparables as they relate to wages. He noted that, in no case will the wages be less than what is paid in the San Jose area - adding that the benchmark is taken from the San Francisco Bay Area hotels and restaurants. Dale Reed, 1560 Daily Court, Representing the Industrial Roundtable, addressed the Council and stated how excited they are about this potential project. He stated they feel it will jump-start the industrial section of the community and would be providing jobs for people in San Leandro. He urged the Council to support the new, proposed Lease for the Conference Center. The Mayor noted she has before her a letter from Ann Hague, representing the Estudillo Homeowners' Association, which is supportive of the new, proposed Lease. Paul Cayere, 773 Juana, addressed the Council, commending them for their efforts as they relate to the Network Conference Center. He also recognized the City Manager and staff for working through the issues and for keeping their eye on the "prize."