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Council discussed having Redwood City unite with other cities in San Mateo, joining forces and possibly taking some action against state legislators and communicate with congressional representatives. There was also a suggestion to have the County/City Managers Association look at issues such as sales transactions over the internet and impacts on revenues. City Manager Ingram summarized the recommended budget cuts. He explained that these cuts build on accumulated cuts of $11 million that took place between 2002 and 2006. Consequently, he said the current base is smaller and that represents 40 to 50 less positions and this means the organization is already spread thin. The City Manager referred to the budget memo and how it expands on the internal budget process leading to these recommendations. He provided an overview of the 53 vacancies being held across the City. Mr. Bell, Human Resources Director said that there are 52.8 citywide vacancies of which 14.2 of the vacancies are recommended for elimination and 16.2 additional positions are being cut, some through the Exit Incentive Program. City Manager Ingram covered what each of the cuts represents for each department percentage wise so that Council could see the relativity impact. Chief Skinner provided additional information on Engine Nine and a possible side letter with the labor union. Council was pleased with this possibility and thanked Chief Skinner for his efforts. Mr. Ingram explained that 86% of the proposed cuts are in salary and benefits and he said such ratio will probably continue because supplies and services have stayed flat. The options put forth by the City Manager for City Council consideration were discussed. These were created prior to the possibility of the state invoking Proposition 1A. The City Manager believes that these might be looked at on September 14, 2009 if Council so agrees. Mr. Ingram said that he sees the next year as a continuation of current discussions and possibly providing Council quarterly updates or briefings on the financial state of affairs since this is not a fait accompli. Mayor Foust thanked City Manager Ingram opining that this was a sound budget proposal. She then opened the public comment period. Public Comment Warren Dale, Chair of the Civic Cultural Commission, thanked the Council for trying to work through some tough issues. He mentioned the various awards that the City receives and expressed his optimism in the Redwood City community. He asked Council to consider how they are partners in providing grants that benefit the community and these include benefits to schools, music in Courthouse Square, youth, seniors and others. Denise Brosseau, Chair of the Housing and Human Concerns Committee (HHCC), stated that the HHCC realizes that it is a challenge to try to deliberate and allocate funding. She expressed her hope that the funding for HSFA (Human Services Financial Assistance) would be maintained and said that the initial investment of funds by the City would be leveraged many times over in light of increasing needs for services to provide for basic human survival. Her examples of such providers included Meals on Wheels and the Salvation Army. SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 15, 2009 MINUTES PAGE 5 MINUTE BOOK NO. 62 Page No. 388