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6.1 A <br /> Page 17 <br /> Janet Borgens announced that there will be an outdoor fes#iva! an April 9�' at the Fair <br /> Oaks Branch Library at 2510 Middie�eld Road. Shc invit�d the public to attend to raise <br /> funds for childrer�'s books for the Library and to enjoy the fe�tivai, which includes prizes <br /> for children, games, music and ballet folkloric. <br /> Mike Bautista, with time ceded from Michelle Bautista, addressed Councit regarding his <br /> dissatisfac6on with City staff and Counc� pertaining to his iwo appeals (presentation on <br /> file). He questioned the fairness, honesty, underly�ng democratic foundation, and <br /> governance pertaining to the appeal process. He made allegations about the lack of <br /> process and prior comments made by the City Attorney. <br /> Rich Del Ben said he is a voter, resident, and 44-year employee of the City of Redwood <br /> City and he has dedicated his life to serve, often on cal�for 24-hours at a time, and he rs <br /> proud of this. He asked Council to reconsider the proposed cufis of$23 million. He said <br /> that he and his fellow workers stand together, and th�y r�u�st a fair contract with <br /> affordable heal#F� care and wages, and that they have signed and presented to Council <br /> signed petitions with over 200 signatures. <br /> Molly Spore Alhadef said she has been an employee of the Redwood City Public <br /> Library for 32 years. She spoke about her own health situation, the health care program <br /> and concerns with such expenses. She explained the vafue of the cafeteria plan and <br /> impacts on workers if it goes away and how she has na retirement plans. <br /> Cour�cil Member Foust clarified that the figures expfainecC by Mr. Del Ben were incorrect <br /> and the correct amount is $5.6 million (salary and benef�t reductions) total over three <br /> years, as stated by the Interim City Manager in a memo that was sent cityuvide. She <br /> explained how the target savings figure is related to the to#al percentage of payroll for <br /> each group, and applying that percentage tu the target �gure. She asked that unions <br /> consider the altematives and work with the Council as she would not like to see more <br /> people unemployed. <br /> Cheryl Easterbrook said she was not quite sure when �e meeting regarding the budget <br /> concessions was hefd nor had she received an invitation to one. She said she votes <br /> and lives in Redwood City and opined that asking SEIU (Service Employees <br /> Internaiianal Union) to contribute almost half (of the budget concessions) is not <br /> reasonable, particularly from the lowest wage earners. She asked Council to be <br /> reasonable and talk with them. <br /> Dr. Betl clar�ed this was explained fo all the unions, with representatives from all <br /> bargaining groups present, at a meeting in August 2010. He also clarified that there <br /> have besn 11 meetings with SEIU (Service Employees International Union) as of today. <br /> Bernel Mershon, a SEIU member, said she is painfully aware of the suffering from <br /> budget cuts since 2007. She opined that there are other areas for concessions and, the <br /> cost per �mployee as noted in a newspaper article does no# represent SEIU members. <br /> She believes the potential 13% reduction would be untivable and she asked Council to <br /> take care of them as they have taken care of the community. <br /> Jason Bergjord said he is a Redwood City emplvy$e and SEIU member and they make <br /> between thirty and forty thousand a yea� and that the $9,100 cut per SEIU employee will <br /> make medical, derrtal and vision (coverage) unaffordable. He spoke about the effect on <br /> JOINT CITY COUNCIUREDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD March 21,2011 <br /> MEETING MINUTES PAGE 3 <br />