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MINUTES Page 8 City of San Leandro City Council, San Leandro Hillside Geologic Hazard Abatement District, and San Leandro Redevelopment Agency Joint Meeting —July 19, 2010 Isaac Benabou, Vice President, San Leandro Police Officers Association, addressed the City Council, expressing the Association's support for the measure to maintain public safety services and restore necessary reserves. Mr. Benabou commented on the recent concessions made by SLPOA, and its members' willingness to assist in the measure's passage. Mr. Benabou stated that while the increase would have a minor impact on individuals. it would make a great impact on the City. Stephen Cassidy, San Leandro resident, addressed the City Council, expressing opposition to the proposed sales tax measure. Mr. Cassidy commented that City employees should contribute to the cost of their pension and health care costs. Mr. Cassidy commented that San Leandro would have the highest sales tax rate in Northern California. Michael Fitzgerald, San Leandro resident, addressed the City Council, supporting the sales tax measure. Mr. Fitzgerald commented on the programs and services provided by the City, and the quality of public safety services. Mr. Fitzgerald commented favorably on the local control aspect of the measure, and the need to preserve City services and quality of life in San Leandro. Sheldon Gilbert, Alameda County Fire Chief, addressed the City Council, expressing support for the revenue measure. Chief Gilbert commented on the concessions made by all City employee groups, and offered his personal time, and that of Police Chief Ian Willis, to chair a committee to educate the community about the measure. Chief Gilbert expressed concem about the significant cuts to public safety services without funding from this measure. End of Public Comments on Item 10.B. Vice Mayor Reed read into the record a letter from Tom Silva of the Rental Homeowners Association, expressing support for the revenue measure. City Clerk Marian Handa read a letter from Gordon Galvan on behalf of the Auto Dealers Association, expressing support for the sales tax measure. Councilmember Stephens stated that he would not support the measure. He expressed concern that the City can never quite keep up with the ever - increasing staff costs, and must continually ask the community to give more. Councilmember Stephens remarked that somewhere, we need to draw the line. Councilmember Starosciak commented on the amount of community feedback the Council has received on this issue. She expressed her appreciation for the PowerPoint presentation, commenting that it provides a clear and concise reason that the measure is necessary for San Leandro. Councilmember Starosciak asked if the presentation would be made available to the public. Mr. Hollister stated that he would have the presentation posted on the City's website.