CC Min 2004-06-21 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Adrian Anderson, representing the Redwood City Firefighters, thanked the Council and staff for work that went into preparing the budget. He stated his hope that the recommended reductions to the Fire Department are indicative of the department being at the bottom of their barrel. He further stated that any cuts will impact staffing, which closes Engine 9 downtown and leads to a reduced level of service. In reference to neighboring cities' cuts, he stated that the downtown area lacking an engine reduces the firefighting capability and response time. He stated that cutting our city's level of service to match the other cities is not consistent with what should be done. J.P. Garcia, Chairperson of the Housing and Human Concerns Committee, reiterated the procedures that the HHCC underwent to bring the funding recommendations forward to the Council. He stated that the Committee sought to be fair and sensitive toward assisting the various organizations and highlighted various recommendations. Savera Keith, an attorney at the Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County, spoke prior to the next study session. She stated that in 1990, the Redevelopment Agency entered into an agreement pertaining to the amount of funds to be earmarked for development of affordable housing. She stated that recently, this agreement has been re- interpreted after a series of audits. The result of this re- interpretation is that the level of funding dedicated to affordable housing will be cut by almost half. The Legal Aid Society is concerned that this major change will not benefit the needs of the community nor does it appear to be consistent with the City Council's concerns stated earlier this evening. As a signatory to this agreement, the Legal Aid Society requests access to the staff reports and supporting materials for this subject scheduled for consideration on June 28, prior to the release to the general public on Friday. The request that the City and Agency address this topic with Legal Aid, and that prompt access to any requested documents be provided. Recess: 7:50 — 8:00 p.m. VI. Council Direction on FY 2004/05 General Fund Budget Council Members made various comments and agreed with the City Manager's recommendations for the FY 2004/05 budget. Additionally, staff is to return in approximately 3 months with $1 million more in reductions for Council consideration. The Fire Department, Police Department and Clerk Department are not to be considered for further reductions. SPECIAL JOINT CITY COUNCIL, JUNE 21, 2004 COMMUNITY FACILITIES BOARD, PAGE 6 AND REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING MINUTES MINUTES Book No. 60 Page No. 244