CitySLzUSD Liaison Highlights 2011 0223

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CITY AND SAN LORENZO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT LIAISON COMMITTEE February 23, 2011 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. San Leandro City Hall 835 East 14 Street San Leandro, California (Sister Cities Gallery Room) HIGHLIGHTS Committee Members: Mayor Stephen Cassidy, Councilmember Joyce Starosciak, Board Member Isabel Polvorosa City Staff: City Manager Steve Hollister, Deputy City Manager Jacqui Diaz, Recreation Manager Micki Cronin, Officer Derrel Ramsey, Community Relations Representative Kathy Ornelas SLzUSD Staff: Superintendent Dr. Dennis Byas, Director of Secondary Education Melanie Spears, Assistant Superintendent for Business Services Dr. Lowell Shira Public Present: Bob Leigh, Councilmember Jim Prola The meeting was called to order at 4:30 p.m. by Councilmember Joyce Starosciak. 1. City and District Budget Updates City Manager Hollister stated that the budget is currently being developed; that the City is very cautious and reserves are still lower than the 20% policy. The workforce has lost 20% of the employees over the past two years. The City received Round 2 COPS funding, which means that positions can be retained as well as hiring approximately three new officers. Efforts are being made to present a balanced budget to the Council in June. Dr. Byas mentioned the potential state impacts to Redevelopment Agency (RDA) funding; he said that the district is not expecting to receive additional funds as a result of changes at the state level. A discussion ensued about the City's RDA activities. Mayor Cassidy commented on the City's goal of preparing a balanced 2011 -12 budget and the concern over outlying years with PERS expenses anticipated. He said the budget would include multi -year forecasts and a two -year budget would be developed in the future. Dr. Lowell Shira stated that there is concern over the district's reserves, and that between 20 -30 pink slips would be issued over the next few weeks. The deficit may be addressed if the union