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Minutes - San Leandro City Council Meeting - January 21, 1992 Page - 11 - PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued) • Vern Hesseltine, 715 Dutton Avenue, thanked the City Council and the City Manager for the questionnaire and the Financial Plan. He said the questionnaire responses stated that people want to keep San Leandro safe, keep existing services, and attract new businesses and residents. He said he is not thrilled with the additional costs any more than anyone else but recognizes the 'problems faced by the City. He said there is already evidence of businesses leaving the area and the City must provide quality services in order to attract businesses. He said problems cannot be wished away or ignored and said the City Council should approve the Financial Plan. Anne Howell Dean, 2614 Marineview Drive, said she was concerned the assessment would be continually raised. She spoke regarding utility taxes which have been increased. She said if she had to charge her tenants for the increases she would not because they cannot afford to pay what they do now. She said there are a number of seniors in San Leandro and young people are buying out of town. She did not see why the City needed these additional costs. Dick Marshall , 15014 Wengate Street, commended the staff and the City Council on putting together this Plan. He said the Plan addresses most of our problems but as a Recreation and Parks Commissioner he was concerned about loss of facilities for young people. He said loss of facilities will result in an increase in graffiti , muggings, etc. He said the Council should consider reducing staff in the City Manager's Office by eliminating the Assistant City Manager position. He said most of the people in San Leandro live in pre-Proposition 13 homes and they can afford the $60 per year assessment. John Rucker, 232 Lexington Avenue, said too many copies of the Financial Plan were sent out and it cost too much. He said the City Manager should take a 4% cut in salary. He said he agreed with Mr. Leigh's letter and feels it represents the feelings of the majority of people in town and said the assessment should go on the ballot. Manuel Ramos, 941 Thornton Street, said he has lived in San Leandro for 71 years. He said he is on a fixed income and his wife is ill . He said the City Council picks on seniors and that they closed the street that goes through to BART. He said he was against the Financial Plan. Larry Smith, 958 Arguello Drive, said he sees a need in a couple of years for a tax but it should be a vote of the people. He said the Fire Department should be able to undertake the Disaster Plan with existing staff. He said he feels the 800 MHz radio and the neighborhood disaster supplies are needed but a mobile command center is not needed. He said we should look at what is really needed, not what we would like, and this matter should go on the ballot.