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Committee Recommendation <br />The Committee recommended that the City Council approve the proposed amendments to the Weed <br />Abatement Ordinance. <br />2. Discussion Regarding Project Labor Policies <br />Mr. Hollister noted that this item was referred to the Committee at the request of Vice Mayor <br />Starosciak. Business Development Analyst Jeff Kay reported on the findings of his research on <br />project labor policies. He noted that most local cities do not have a defined or universal policy, <br />but may have a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) for a specific project. Mr. Kay described the <br />range of alternatives, from "best efforts" clauses, which have the least impact, to PLAs, which <br />have a substantial impact. In formulating a general labor policy for the City, Mr. Kay suggested <br />that the Committee consider such factors as to what projects the policy would apply, the size <br />threshold, whether the project is funded through public assistance, and if there are competing <br />policy goals. <br />Chair Santos suggested adding quality of work as a component of the policy. <br />Committee Member Stephens asked who would. handle negotiations between a private entity and <br />a contractor. Community Development Director Luke Sims noted there have been very few <br />situations where a city required a private entity to enter into a PLA. <br />Committee Member Souza expressed concern that the issue is "a huge can of worms," and needs <br />public input. <br />Public Comments <br />Andreas Cluver, Building Trades Council, commented that a citywide policy is a complex <br />undertaking, and the City of Los Angeles has such a policy in place. Mr. Cluver suggested that <br />in developing its policy, the City consider what objectives it wants to achievecompliance with <br />prevailing wage requirements, quality of work, local hiring, etc. He noted some issues with the <br />staff report, and stated that the Building Trades Council welcomed discussion on this matter. <br />Dave Johnson, San Leandro Chamber of Commerce, stated that he did not see the need for a <br />labor policy. He expressed concern that based on the way the discussion is being framed, there is <br />an implication that something is wrong with the current system. Mr. Johnson commented that he <br />felt the staff report was labor-centric, and should be rewritten without the presumption that a <br />labor policy is necessary. <br />Greg Gillis, Sausal Corporation, stated that he is strongly opposed to PLAs, and his company <br />does not bid on projects that require them. Mr. Gillis commented that he feels PLAs are a bad <br />deal for employees, work quality cannot be guaranteed, and a PLA will increase the cost of a <br />project. He added that he does not believe there have been issues that necessitate the creation of <br />a labor policy. <br />