Minutes 1993 0614 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Minutes - San Leandro City Council Meeting - June 14, 1993 Page - 9 - PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued) A. Dana Johnson, 343 Farrelly Drive, said he reviewed the budget and found numerous ways money could be saved. He said people are getting angry. He asked several questions regarding Fire Department Consolidation and said the budget indicated nine firemen would be laid off as a result of the consolidation. He said he thought consolidation would only affect administration. Mike Oliver explained the consolidation report would be available in the next few weeks and would explain the various options related to consolidation. He said the intention is to administer the consolidation with all the existing chiefs of the City under a new Alameda County Fire District, which includes chiefs, battalion chiefs, deputies, etc. He said there are also economies which can be achieved where stations are located in proximity to one another. He said a number of City fire positions have been kept vacant pending the consolidation and savings have resulted. In response to questions from Mr. Johnson, he said funds for nine fire fighters have been set aside in case consolidation does not occur. He said there is not yet a plan on this process, so it is likely if there is a consolidation, it would take a full fiscal year. He said savings have already occurred on frozen positions. Mr. Johnson questioned the need for the Community Standards employees who perform weed abatement, graffiti removal , and shopping-cart removal . He said these activities should be conducted by the Public Works Department. Mr. Oliver explained that Community Standards performs a number of other functions, including Zoning Code enforcement, Neighborhood and Commercial Preservation enforcement, etc. He said, last year the City Council added a field person to do graffiti , carts, etc. , and saved $17,000 per year by terminating a contract with a private graffiti-removal firm. He said this work was done through Public Works; but it was decided to consolidate these activities in order to focus people on them, and it has been very cost effective. Mr. Johnson said this type of work should be done by Public Works; he said these types of activities are a luxury at a time like this. Mr. Oliver said the community response has been very positive. Council Member Perry said she worked the Partnership for Youth Safety booth at the Cherry Festival with Council Members Corbett and Polvorosa, and they ran out of brochures on graffiti removal . She said there is definitely public interest in the program. Mr. Johnson asked why the Marina dredging costs couldn't be spread over two years. Mr. Oliver said the funds are being expended to remove dredge spoils that have been placed on the site so that the channel can be dredged. He said materials must be removed this year or Federal funds to dredge the channel would be lost. Mr. Johnson said it's become too easy to tax people; the City should try to tighten things up.