Minutes 1995 0626 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Minutes - San Leandro City Council Meeting - June 26, 1995 Page - 8 - PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued) Council Member Myers said this is a contract for services, not consolidation. He said it is a big decision, not taken lightly, and not easy to"make:`"—He said the Ctty-Council is very sensitive to the citizens of San Leandro. He said the two factors playing on people's minds are cost savings and better level of service. There have been many meetings, including town halls, homeowners' associations, and various groups; and citizens have received information and information has been received from citizens. The Finance Committee did not include Engine No. 6 in the budget. The San Leandro Fire Fighters support the contract and have said they will provide the same level of service or better. The contract 'provides-for a performance audit and will provide additional services at less cost. It provides a way to bring the fire fighters back to San Leandro if necessary. The City is not giving up its fire fighters but is making sure they and our citizens are going to be satisfied. This is a win-win situation for the citizens of San Leandro. Council Member Loeffler said there are three main issues: the buildings remain San Leandro property; the equipment remains San Leandro property and retains the City logo; and service will be enhanced and costs reduced. He said this contract for services provides for the safety of the citizens of San Leandro, and he is in support. Vice Mayor Kerr said this is the most difficult decision he has made since he became a Council Member. He said this is beneficial to the City in many ways. He strongly promotes privatization and consolidation of other City facilities and hopes the Council will pursue them with vigor. He believes this is practical , can save money, and will give' a better level of service. Council Member Polvorosa said this process has been going on for three years, and the decision is not made lightly. He said our fire fighters support the contract. He said the citizens expect the City Council to provide the best possible services to the community, and they are doing so. Council Member Perry said this is one of the toughest decisions she has had to make. She said citizens say they want to reduce costs and have a better level of service. She said she and the other members of the Council live in the community and are equally concerned about the service they receive. She said the Agreement gives the City the option to terminate. The City is not losing equipment but gaining services. The fire fighters approve the contract. She discussed the additional services which would be possible and said this would provide for service by two Alameda County fire stations at the south end of town. She said those services could save lives. The City is not losing control of its resources and is keeping Hazmat, industrial inspections, and disaster preparedness. She said she supports the contract.