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MINUTES Page S City of San Leandro City Council and San Leandro Redevelopment Agency Joint Meeting— December 6, 2010 be increasing. She has observed that while the shuttle is full in the morning, there are times when it is almost empty. In response to questions regarding the BID assessment and grant funding posed by Councilmember Prola, Business Development Manager Cynthia Battenberg reported that if the BID assessment had kept pace with the Consumer Price Index for the past five years, the total increase would be about $17,000. She noted that the Lifeline Grant funds awarded to the LINKS for 2008 -09 and 2009 -10 are just now being received. Ms. Battenberg reported that the LINKS was created as a recommendation from the West San Leandro Project Area Committee, and continues to be a priority project in the 2010- 14 Implementation Plan. She noted that the program receives a positive reception from businesses. Councilmember Prola stated that he strongly supports the LINKS Shuttle service, and that it provides a tremendous service to West San Leandro. However, he suggested that if any RDA funds are used, a cost of living adjustment should also be added to the per employee rate. Mayor Santos commented that as a member of the West San Leandro Study Group, he helped develop the West San Leandro Plan. The Plan, adopted in 1999, includes a shuttle service in West San Leandro, and is still City policy. Councilmember Starosciak reported that the LINKS Shuttle receives Lifeline Grant and Transportation Funds for Clean Air funding administered by the Alameda County Transportation Commission (ACTC), of which she is a member. She noted that grant funds help to offset the RDA contribution, and she commended City staff for seeking out grant funding for LINKS. Councilmember Starosciak reported on a new grant opportunity called Green Routes to School, and she encouraged City staff and the LINKS program to consider finding ways to transport school employees to their school sites via the LINKS Shuttle. A motion was made by Councilmember Starosciak, seconded by Councilmember Prola, to adopt the resolution. Councilmember Stephens recalled that when the LINKS Shuttle BID was formed, the intent was to gradually eliminate all RDA funding, so that the BID would be self - sustaining. He reminded the Council to keep this in mind as they moved forward. Mayor Santos asked the City Manager to provide a report on the redevelopment funding aspects of the LINKS Shuttle program. Mr. Hollister stated that staff would gather the data and provide a report to the Council. Ms. Battenberg indicated that there was no plan to use RDA funding for the LINKS Shuttle in the next three years. Councilmember Gregory suggested adding bicycle racks to the LINKS vehicles to increase ridership.