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said it represents about 39 positions. The parking fund and the $900,000 transfer was discussed. Council Members supported longer lead time to let employees know about cuts and having equity across the organization. One Council Member said that this is a structural imbalance. One Council member would like an outside consultant to come in and analyze what is being done with current resources. It was suggested that the City look at how to combine services and identify which departments could benefit from a combination of services with other cities. It was mentioned that certain cities are now sharing Department Heads. One Council Member spoke about future increases in other services such as water and sewer. Council appreciated the fact that City Manager is reaching out to the organization. City Manager Ingram provided data on reductions for the years between July 2002 through July 2005. He said that between the two years 48 positions were cut. City Manager Ingram provided historical data on previous cuts and how the reductions were never refilled. Council consensus: • Accept the recommended percentages for the use of reserves (33%, 25%, and 10% beginning on 09-10) allowing flexibility for further discussions • Focus on equity and fairness and every department to be part of the solution • Align resources with public needs and core responsibilities for each department • Partner with other cities • Continue communication efforts with staff at all levels in the organization • Keep the reserves at an 18% level versus the policy recommended level of 15% • Look and revisit the Parking Fund • Look at revenue enhancement opportunities • Understand this is a structural imbalance that will take a shared sacrifice to fix • Be creative with solutions but provide choices • Evaluate opportunities to review and assess the efficiency of certain departments and consider economies of scales • Review the Port of Redwood City subvention • Align core purpose of departments with Council Initiatives and possibly sunset obsolete programs • Analyze and scrutinize enterprise funds understanding repercussions to the public when multiple rate increases occur • Increase revenues without increasing taxes • Be open to economic development opportunities and what these bring — wider tax base, more jobs and create a healthy economic development environment Mayor Foust thanked everyone for their shared sacrifice and staff for taking this seriously. The matter is to return on March 9, 2009 to reaffirm the Council's discussion. City Manager Ingram clarified that the goal statements will come back for Council's input and refinement. Council had specific questions on the following items: Canada College, Carrington Hall use, business retention and the economic development position, code REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 23, 2009 MINUTES PAGE 7 MINUTE BOOK NO. 62 Page No. 315