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Minutes - San Leandro City Council Meeting - June 26, 1995 Page - 6 - PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued) Susan Riskind-Poulsen, 182 Sunnyside Drive, asked what the costs would be if the City withdrew from the contract and how they would be paid. She asked-what would happen if the contract—is voted down in November. The City Manager said the cost to withdraw would be the reverse of the savings - $1 million. He said the City Council would determine where the money would come from. Vice Mayor Kerr asked what would happen if there is a successful initiative or referendum. The City Attorney said, in the case of an initiative, it would depend on the terms and conditions of the measure. In the case of a referendum, the contract would be terminated. He said he could not answer in more detail because the City is subject to the Meyers, Millias, Brown Act which mandates that the City negotiate in good faith, and the effect of an initiative or referendum would raise great doubt about the consequences. In some cases, courts have thrown them out; in some cases they have upheld them. He said this is an extremely complex question which goes to the heart of the City Council 's authority under the City Charter and to labor negotiation law. Alex Poulsen, 182 Sunnyside Drive, said this is a strategy by the City to retain services at the level desired, lower costs, and provide contractual benefits. He asked if this is a strategy the City wants to pursue in all other areas that the City owns or contracts directly. He said he supports a two-year time period because it may be less sensitive for people who have concerns. The City Manager said the City is investigating the concept of contracts in a number of areas, such as with the San Leandro Unified School District, East Bay Regional Park District, East Bay Municipal Utility District, and Oro Loma Sanitary District. Amy Chovnick, 505 Broadmoor Boulevard, asked what percentage of calls are medical non-fire, how many second alarm fires in the past five years, and how many positions will be lost to consolidation. She said she did not know if enough thought had been given to alternatives. She said elimination of Engine No. 6 would provide 70% of the savings. She said the benefits of consolidation seem to be related to fire calls, which are only 30% of the total calls . She said the City Council should vote no. Ellen Geis, 834 Cary Drive, said this will only save $300,000. She said the•City is going to sell the Fire Department against the wishes of the residents. She said the residents voted for arbitration. She said Alameda County does not have a good track record and will have to raise assessments. She said there will be no control except through the City Manager and the Fire Chief. She said the quality of life has come down a lot in the last three years. Federal and state government are out of control , and the City is getting out of control .