Minutes 1996 0116 - Laserfiche WebLink

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• Minutes - San Leandro City Council Meeting - January 16, 1996 Page - 18 - CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS (continued) F. Council Member Perry said, regarding Mr. Johnson's comments, her no vote on the ice rink was the result of many unanswered questions. She said the rink was a business activity to promote downtown business, but it turned out to be a great recreational activity. She suggested looking at alternatives next year like sleigh rides in Pelton Center, more caroling, Shop San Leandro coupons, treasure hunts, or other business promotions. She said the ice rink needs extended lead time, sponsorships, and more promotion. She commended staff, particularly Dan Paiva, for their good work in a short time frame. Council Member Perry said she is concerned about comments made about the City Manager. She said Mike Oliver has a lifetime commitment to San Leandro, lives here, grew up here, and has family and connections. He understands long -range projects and history. San Leandro is one of the few cities in the black. She said no one complains about the extra money from the auto dealerships and Costco. She said the City Council sets priorities and gets progress reports. Some projects take many years to complete. She said the Council can improve on communications and relaying historic information to Council Members as they come on board. She said the Council should be issue - based, not involved in personality slashing, and has a responsibility to deal with issues as they arise. She said there is plenty of time to ask questions ahead of time of the City Manager and staff and have them addressed at Council meetings. She said the Council needs to elaborate on the process of setting goals. She said the position of Vice Mayor has a different connotation, and there must be trust among fellow Council Members. She said she is concerned because this is not the first time comments have been made to the press. She said, if Vice Mayor Kerr has concerns, the Council meetings are the appropriate forum. She said she appreciated his comments tonight. G. Council Member Galvan said his comments are intended to be constructive and positive. He is proud to be part of this administration which has accomplished so much. It seems a negative spin from a small group of people has dominated the media. He said the Council has accomplished a lot, such as Macy's, Costco, and new police officers. Other cities are envious of what San Leandro has accomplished. He is frustrated that a small negative group is dominating things. San Leandro is developing a reputation throughout the County and State regarding Economic Development. He said San Leandrans for Responsible Government are a special interest group, a Political Action Committee (PAC). They are 25 people out of 72,000 in the City. He read some of the questions on the group's Council candidate questionnaire and said he is disturbed that the group has chosen to focus on personalities instead of issues and that a member of the Council has taken part in the debate. He is concerned that current candidates have been quick to criticize the Council