BOOK 26_1955-11-28 to 1957-06-17

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4,9 9, � the petition in regard to the County -wide sales tax. He gave his word that this petition would not in any way interfer with the City sales tax. Councilman Granger wanted to know about the petitions in regard to the Charter. Mr. Lebsack stated that both petitions would be held up. Councilman Granger moved that Mr. Lebsack and Mr* Costello be instructed to remove themselves from the Council. Chambers and draw up an ordinance -providing for an elation and suspending the effective date of ordinance 813 and 844 until an election be helds seconded by Councilman Spillers, Councilman Granger stated that he has not changed his mind in regard to the sales tax. He feels that the people did not Cl have all the facts and if they did that the petitions would not have been so one-sided. Councilman Granger felt that the people should be given a chance to vote on the subject and not have the Council shove this sales tax down the peoples throats. The sales tax is the only equitable way to find the money to run the government. Mr. Miller wanted to know what effect the holding up of the effective date on the local sales tax would have it the County wide sales tax should go into effect. The City. Attorney stated that if ordinance 845 is not suspended or repealed the City is protected as far as the uniform County -wide sales tax is concerned. The City Attorney stated further that there is not any legal protection for the City to prevent the petitions from being filed anyway* He also stated that there was considerable legal doubt that the initiative ordinance petition was valid at all. Councilman Herkner wanted to know if they were sending this back for repeal of the ordinance or were they only changing the effective date. Councilman Herkner amended the motion to the effect that ordinances 843 and 844 be repealed. The amendment lost for lack of a second. This was followed by discussion. Councilman Weymouth made a statement as to why he was going to vote against the proposed ordinance. He stated that since he has become a member of the Council all he she heard was how the City needs money. He feels that. this. petition was scheduled by a special interest group. He stated that he could circulate a petition asking the people if they wanted to vote against the income tax and he was sure he could comeR in with a larger petition than those circulated by Mr. Davies. He spoke at some length and stated that he did not believe in repealing the sales tax ordinances. He has talked to many people and in- formed them of the facts and they agreed that the only thing was to go along with the sales tax. The Mayor stated that he was of the same opinion as the thoughts expressed by Councilman Weymouth. He stated that if the Council goes along with this. proposed ordinance that it would only be giving the people circulating the petition more time to'fight the matter. The Mayor read a statistical. chart drawn up by the City Managq�- and the City Engineer. Councilman Stout stated that on February 18th the ,Council approved the ordinance he brought upe This was to be an interum ordinance,in the event that the county passess a sales tax* He stated that he would go along with an elation if the Council wanted to hold a special election* He stated that he brought this matter up before* Councilman Stout spoke about an article appearing in the newspaper in regards to taxation without representation. He spoke at same length an this matter. Councilman Herkner stated that he did not believe that they should have any debate on this subject and should only be talking on.thequestion* Mr. Roselli spoke on the matter of sales tax. The motion carried on roll call with Councilman Weymouth and Mayor Royer voting NO and Councilman Weiss being noted absent. CITY ENGINEER REPCRT Or, SEQUOIA RESERVOIR* Mre,Jain made a verbal report. He stated that previous to March -11th they made a correction in order to separate the bids on this project. This was turned back to the consulting engineer. Mr. Brian had been. ill and his office called to report that the plans and specifications are now in order* Mr. Jain recommended that the City Manager be authorized to advertise for bids when the plans are brought in, Councilman Herkner moved that the City Manager be authorized to advertise for bids as soon as possible in accordance with the recommendation of the City Engineer., seconded by Councilman Spillers and carried. 14