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Councilwoman Howard advised that the idea for a teen council grew out of the goals and objectives ofthe Council's workshop in support of the teen center at the new Red Morton Center. Councilwoman Steinfeld advised she had not attended the workshop and could not support a request of almost $10,000 without full Council discussion. In response to Councilwoman Steinfeld's questions, Director Ponty advised that the proposed 1995/96 budget was slightly over 4% higher than the 1994/95 budget and that it was a balanced budget. 2) Open public hearing: Mayor pro tem Hartnett declared the hearing open at 8:09 P.M. 3) Public comment; Joe Steinfeld, 850 Main Street, Redwood City, told the Council that it was not involved enough in the creation of the City's budgets and that City finances had been turned over to bureaucrats. Mr. Steinfeld asked that Council defer action on the proposed budget until an independent review audit could be done by an outside source engaged by the City Clerk. Mr. Steinfeld stated the City's finances were in deep trouble. Peter Hughes, 18 Admiralty Court, Redwood City, advised Council that at the July 15, 1995, budget study session he had asked for a commitment from the City to consider building a fire station in Redwood Shores. City Manager Everett advised that a fire station in Redwood Shores was part of the goals and objectives of the Fire Department as the potential outcome of consolidation talks with the Menlo Park Fire Protection District. Nita Spangler, 970 Edgewood Road, Redwood City, expressed her great confidence in Finance Director Ponty and the whole budget process, stating it was not just a series of budget sessions, but a year long process, and Council Members and the public could keep on top of it if they tried. Mrs. Spangler suggested people stop spreading nonsense about the budget and City finances, and instead count their blessings. Jack Greenalch, former Council Member, 111 Wellesley Crescent, Redwood City, stated the budget was the most significant issue the Council considered and stated his concerns regarding the statements that had been made about City finances. Mr. Greena1ch stated that the City was audited every year by independent outside CP As, and the City was not in financial trouble, that the debt incurred was reasonable and the Capital Improvement Projects were well planned. Mr. Greenalch urged Council approval of the budget. MINUTE BOOK NO. 53 Regular Meeting Minutes Page No. 292 August 14, 1995 Page 4