Minutes 2010 1220 - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES Page 7 City of San Leandro City Council and San Leandro Redevelopment Agency Joint Meeting— December 20, 2010 believes employees should contribute toward their pensions, and greater buy -in might be achieved if upper management set the example. Margarita Lacabe, San Leandro Community Action Network (SLCAN), addressed the City Council, requesting that the Council not approve the employee MOUs. Ms. Lacabe expressed concern that the City would use reserves to balance its budget again this year, and would leave the City without adequate funds in the event of a natural disaster. Ms. Lacabe commented that employees should contribute to their pensions. Stephen Cassidy, San Leandro resident and Mayor - Elect, addressed the City Council, commenting that the Council should not approve a contract without knowing the cost, and that the cost of these contracts is not fully known. Mr. Cassidy stated that, while he agrees that City employees provide excellent service, the City and employees must come together and make appropriate sacrifices until the City is fiscally healthy again. Mike Katz, San Leandro resident, addressed the City Council, asking the Council to hold off on the decision to approve the MOUs, and commenting that the incoming Council should be allowed to vote on them. Tim Holmes, San Leandro resident and business owner, addressed the City Council, expressing agreement with Mr. Katz regarding allowing the incoming Council to vote on the new MOUs. Mr. Holmes commented that to do otherwise would thwart the wishes of the electorate. Madeline Budnick, San Leandro resident, addressed the City Council, commenting that the current pension structure is unsustainable. Ms. Budnick expressed support for delaying approval of the MOUs until the new Council is seated, and she urged the Council to work with the incoming members on pension reform. David Johnson, President and CEO of the San Leandro Chamber of Commerce, addressed the City Council, thanking Mayor Santos and Councilmember Stephens for welcoming him to the City as CEO of the Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Johnson requested that the Council take no action to approve the MOUs, citing as reasons the interest by the incoming Council in being able to vote on the contracts, current economic difficulties and future economic uncertainty. Lou Filipovich, San Leandro resident, addressed the City Council, commenting that the Council has time to postpone the decision and allow citizens to provide input. Jean Hom, City employee, addressed the City Council, commenting that she is dismayed by the rise in cynicism and distrust towards govemment employees, and noted that employees are not to blame for the current economic meltdown. Ms. Hom commented on City employees' commitment and willingness to work with the City to address its budget challenges.