Minutes 2010 1220 - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES Page 8 City of San Leandro City Council and San Leandro Redevelopment Agency Joint Meeting — December 20, 2010 Rocky Trujillo, San Leandro resident, addressed the City Council, speaking in opposition to the MOUs. Mr. Trujillo commented regarding the lack of information provided to the public about the proposed agreements, and the public's perception about them. Mr. Trujillo expressed concern that the City cannot afford to enter into the proposed contracts. Lisa Jackson, San Leandro resident, addressed the City Council, commenting that she believes it is inappropriate for the current Council to approve the MOUs, and delaying the decision would help restore trust in City government. Wayne Gregori, San Leandro resident, addressed the City Council, commenting that he spoke with many residents during the election season, and many expressed concerned about the fiscal management of the City. Matt Maloon, Alameda County Building Trades Council and San Leandro resident, addressed the City Council, urging the Council to approve the MOUs, and support the workers who support the City. Sharon Cornu, Alameda County Central Labor Council, addressed the City Council, requesting that the Council honor the collective bargaining agreement by approving the MOUs. The City Council recessed from 8:16 p.m. to 8:29 p.m. City Attorney Williams commented that the City has been engaged in a collective bargaining process with the employee bargaining units pursuant to the Meyers - Milias -Brown Act, and the matter before the Council is the result of the negotiation process based on the direction given by the Council to its labor negotiators. Ms. Williams cautioned the Council that to reopen the negotiations could expose the City to risk. She noted that collective bargaining is by nature a confidential process, and state law allows the Council to meet in closed session with its negotiators to provide direction relative to the terms and conditions to be negotiated. Ms. Williams commented that a public negotiation process does not comport with federal law or accepted bargaining practices. She noted that, while it is ultimately the Council's decision, the City has been negotiating in good faith and in accordance with federal law. A motion was made by Councilmember Prola, seconded by Councilmember Starosciak, to adopt the resolutions approving the Memoranda of Understanding with SLCEA and SLMO. Councilmember Prola thanked City employees for their sacrifices, including no pay raises for five years; 18 furlough days in two years, equivalent to a seven percent pay cut; and contributions to their medical benefits. He noted that payment of the eight percent employees' share of PERS that the City negotiated with the bargaining units was in lieu of cost of living increases, and saved the City money at the time. Councilmember Prola commented that the agreements include a reopener in 2012 in the event the City needs to consider additional furlough days.