Minutes 1994 0815 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Minutes - San Leandro City Council Meeting - August 15, 1994 Page - 3 - PUBLIC COMMENTS (continued) G. Jim Gitelli , 632 Begier Avenue, said he sent a letter signed by 23 of 24 households, protesting the action, the last time the squirrels were poisoned. He said the wishes of the people in the City are important and the Council should be responsive. He said he wondered what neighboring cities have done and said the City should find an alternative. Mayor Corbett noted many letters had also been received in favor of the City program as well . H. Elaine Smith, 230 Begier Avenue, said she walked the Marina before the Council Meeting and there were no squirrels. She said the City should get volunteer veterinarians to neuter the male squirrels. I . Justin Agrella, 1670 - 142nd Avenue, spoke regarding the resolution supporting the tough-on-crime-bills concept. He said he is opposed to feel -good crime legislation that does nothing for crime control and said the Council does not have the right to speak for citizens. He said squirrels may be cute, but they are rodents and are not on an endangered species list. He said they are causing destruction to the paths and could cause accidents, lawsuits, and costly maintenance. He said animal population control is practiced for the benefit of the animals as well as human beings and the animal activists do not live in San Leandro. J. Dana Johnson, 343 Farrelly Drive, spoke regarding the tough-on-crime resolution. He said he objected to the resolution. He said he has an arsenal of guns, including an assault weapon. He compared guns to fast cars and said the guns on the crime bill represent one-half of one percent of crimes committed. He said the crime bill is unfunded. Mayor Corbett pointed out the resolution on the Agenda was in support of State legislation not the Federal crime bill . Mr. Johnson also commented regarding the proposal to modify Boards and Commissions and said the City should focus on new membership on Boards and Commissions and should establish a multi-cultural commission and a citizen finance commission. Mr. Johnson also asked a number of questions regarding the City Hall retrofit; the status of seismic retrofit on fire stations, the Library and Service Center; the cafe, fountains, and furnishings in the new building; and Alameda County Fire Chief McCammon's involvement in the project. He said Deputy Chief Johnston said the paramedic program will not cost anything, but Mr. Johnston noted the firefighters will be attending college on City time and will demand a pay raise.