Minutes 1998 0817 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Minutes -City of San Leandro City Council Meeting August 17, 1998 Page 8 Council Member Nazdine stressed the need to look towazd privatization and the need to look at excluding the Seagate residents from paying taxes for services they aze not receiving. She also would support curbside pick-up with exemptions. She suggested that if someone needed special attention, such as backyard pickup, there could be some sort of mark made on the curb or something similar, indicating their need for the special service. She also would like staff to look into discounts for low- and fixed-income individuals; and she stressed the need for the City's garbage and recycling equipment to be looked at -especially if the recycling machine leaves oil spots after going through. Council Member Lothrop stated she has gotten a number of phone calls from both sides of the issue. She feels there is a need to look at the process the City has to pay for things in our community. She likes the idea of looking at low-income/ fared-income discounts. She added that there is a need to keep the maintenance of sewers a concern when looking at the privatization of sewer service. She clarified with staff that there is no increase being proposed this evening for the storm water run-off fee. With regard to the residents at Seagate, she stated the City could do an annual debris pick-up if the residents are so inclined, and there should be some way to provide other services if they wish. Vice Mayor Galvan commented on the cost to provide the services, which keeps going up, along with the salary adjustments to provide the service. He commended staff for holding the line on the other fees. He has been for privatization of services for the last four years. He further indicated there are two elements to the sewer system -the collection system and the treatment plant. There is also a need to maintain the infrastructure. He doesn't want to see current efforts curtailed; he would like us to be proactive. Perhaps there are things that can be scaled back. Council Member Loeffier questioned if the City had followed the appropriate process spelled out by Proposition 218. The City Attorney explained the procedures the City followed and stated they did comply with Proposition 218 requirements. Council Member Loeffier continued by stating perhaps the City should have sent the notice by 1 ~ Class Mail and not by Bulk Mail. He added that there should be a serious look taken at the Enterprise Funds by a citizen committee, which should have representation from business people, as well. The Mayor indicated that, with what she has heard, the citizens' committee should review the following: Rates/privatization of services/ Enterprise Funds Discounts for low- and/or fared-income individuals/families Service options for gated commwuties/s~gested alternatives Curbside pick-up with ability for exemptions There was Council consensus for support for the above.