AgdaPkt 2010-02-22 clsd and jnt - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

Mr. Ponty touched on the issue of reserves and what had been prior Council's direction. He provided two reserve analyses on how to use the reserves and he explained that in March staff will come back and ask for direction on this specific item. Mr. Ponty rolled out the proposed study session dates. Mayor Ira thanked former Council Member Hartnett for his prior leadership. He also thanked Mr. Ponty for his hard work, integrity and diligence. Mayor Ira made note that the other unknown is the State of California and what it will do. Vice Mayor Aguirre asked questions about the Transit Occupancy Tax and how it came in below the expected. One Council Member noted how much has already been cut out and how expenditures continue to outpace revenues. This Council Member mentioned that the key is increasing revenues through businesses and adding housing so that there is greater movement in the economy. One Council Member spoke about the alignment of resources between the organization and the strategic initiatives. This Council Member spoke in favor of shared services and focusing on core services. It was suggested that staff review what has been done that is extra. One Council Member wanted this re-evaluated at least in the short term. Another Council Member spoke about the fact that these are unprecedented times. It was suggested that the great community be engaged to become part of the solution. This Council Member also believes that this is a time to consider all services and focus on what we can and cannot do. (The budget presentation and Council discussion ran between 7:15 p.m. and 7:55 p.m. For the full content please watch the web stream at: htto:l/www.redwoodcitv.ora/aovernmentlcouncil/aaendas/2010/mov020810.htmland select item 7 A) 8. PUBLIC HEARING A. Solid Waste Collection Rate Increase. Recommendation: Approve, by resolution, a 9.15% increase in the overall revenue requirement for Allied Waste Industries, the City's franchised waste hauler, effective February 10, 2010 and approve the implementation of a residential pull charge for residential subscribers who do not place their containers at the curb. For typical residential customers who have one 32-gallon container picked up once a week, the increase will amount to $1.76 per month. Mr. Ponty, Finance Director, introduced the item and explained that this has been vetted through the utilities committee. For the record, Mr. Ponty he notified the Council that 20 written protests were submitted which is below the percentage required to stop this process. Mr. Ponty explained why this raise is needed and what it will go towards. Mr. Ponty explained the benefits of semi-automated collection. Rick Simonson with HF&H was present to answer any questions and Evan Boyd, General Manager with Allied/Republic was also available to answer any questions. One Council Member wanted to be clear that this is a collection the city is doing for Allied. This is not for our general fund. Another Council Member asked about the definition of physically challenged and Mr. Pontyexplained. Questions were also asked about how this JOINT CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 8, 2010 PAGE 5