8A Consent 2009 1207 - Laserfiche WebLink

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DRAFT MINUTES Page 6 November 16, 2009 City of San Leandro City Council and San Leandro Redevelopment Agency Joint Meeting Resolution No. 2009-153 , Resolution Declaring a Local Emergency Within the City of San Leandro Due to the Threat to the Public Health from the H1N1 Influenza Virus (enables the City to be eligible for California Disaster Assistance Act funds for expenses incurred in responding to the health emergency). (2648) M/S/C Prola and Souza. Ayes: 7; Noes: 0 C.Matter of Reconsideration and Approval of a Public Information Program Financial Situation and Possible Revenue Measures (provides for a program to advise measures, and to obtain citizen feedback). City Manager Hollister commented on the reasons for bringing this matter back for reconsideration of the Council. He described the proposed informational program Mr. Hollister requested that the Council rescind its prior direction and direct staff to proceed with the public information program, which would solicit community input. Councilmember Reed asked if udget Task Force meetings and the public information program would be happening at the same time. Mr. Hollister stated that the primary role of the Task Force is to prioritize City services and recommend potential budget cuts, and several budget-related activities will be occurring at the same time. Councilmember Stephens asked why a ballot measure is being discussed. Mr. Hollister indicated that, while no decision has been made to place a measure on the ballot, the recent Godbe poll showed strong community support for both a Landscape and Lighting Assessment District (LLAD) and ¼ cent sales tax. Katherine Lew of the Lew Edwards Group stated that while no measure has been placed on the ballot, the survey has provided an indication of support for a measure. The proposed public information campaign would be a multi-track program that would allow the City to provide the community with facts and to solicit input. Councilmember Gregory commented that the educational campaign for the previous revenue measure was performed too late to be effective, and an information campaign seems to be the logical response to the results of the survey. Ms. Lew reported a 63% passage rate of local revenue measures statewide. Based on the survey, San Leandro voters value and appreciate their local services, and indicate willingness to support the two different revenue measures. Ms. Lew added that proactive community dialogue is essential. Councilmember Reed agreed with Councilmember Gregory. She recalled the residents that came to the Council this past year to lobby in support of retaining library services, Farrelly Pool, and crossing guards, without understanding the bigger City budget