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HAPPY IF THAT MONEY WERE SPECIFICALLY USED FOR PROVIDING BERTHA VALENCIA HOUSING/ RELOCATION ASSISTANCE BY THAT AGENCY. Councilman Leipzig referred to the memo received by th~ City Attorney regarding this issue, and said that "it was not legal for the Council to make a direct contribution from City funds to the fund for Bertha Valencia and that is why the motion is to channel the money through the Human Investment Project.... My position is well known on this.... I don't believe we should make a contribution from the citizen's, the taxpayers. I think as individuals we can make a louder statement to our community if we are outraged with this violence, and all violence that goes on, and make contributions out of our personal accounts, rather than making a contribution for the taxpayers so we can feel good when very few of them wi!! be aware of this.... I wi!! ask the maker and seconder if they would consider reducing the amount from $500 by $75. I wi!! make the personal contribution of $75." The maker of the motion, Councilman Ruskin, and the seconder, Councilwoman La Berge agreed to reduce the amount. Councilman Ruskin stated "I respect Councilman Leipzig's position on this issue philosophicaIIy, but I have a different position. I think this was such a grievous act and many members of the City felt so strongly about it, and actuaIIy many residents of the City and the Community have responded..... We are thankful to the Police Officers Association for starting (the fund for Bertha Valencia.) I also think it is important that the City make a statement in more than writing, that some money be sent to express our concern. I feel it is a prudent and proper show of concern on this issue. We are so inundated everyday with violence against not only children but adults, but this particular situation in our own community was so shocking that I feel there are many members of the community who would like to know that we actually did this on behalf ofthe City." Councilwoman La Berge said "I think it is important that the City make a significant donation, and I also think it is important that individuals do so, and I wi!! make my own personal donation as I hope many of you will." Councilwoman La Berge said the money raised so far is wonderful but there is such a need for additional help especially when the need for housing is so great and so expensive in this area. Vice Mayor Howard said she understood what Councilman Leipzig was trying to express and said "I don't think there is anyone of us who isn't going to in a private way do something for this family, but our Council has money that we have given before for exceptional things, community impact type of items.... As leaders of the community this is one way to get the message out about the help this family needs. I see nothing wrong with spending the amount of $500 for helping this family try to piece back their lives." Councilwoman Buchan reminded everyone that in the past the Council had given donations to young people for lots of positive things like Pop Warner FootbaII trips and soccer trips, and said "in that light I certainly think we can do something in this case for a young person who has been through her own version of hell." REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTE BOOK NO. 54 AUGUST 12, 1996 MINUTES Page No. 421 PAGE 8