CCMin 2010-06-21 Special - Laserfiche WebLink

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i Council Discussion One Council Member appreciated the fact that IAFF took a salary freeze. Council asked about the trade offs of cutting overtime versus cutting positions. One Council Member asked specifically what would this look like for the community. One Council Member opined that out of all the Department budgets this is the more innovative approach. This Council Member thanked IAFF for the freeze. This Council Member did not believe that the Fire Chief should hold both positions - Fire Chief and Fire Marshal. She reiterated that the wage and benefit structure needs to be looked at and this discussion will need to take place. This Council Member also advocated for raising fees in this particular department. She stated that core services need to be looked at carefully because of the magnitude of the problem and consequently Human Services Financial Assistance and Civic Cultural Commission grants may need to be looked at. One Council Member would like to cease opportunities as they might arise in regards to merging services. Mayor Ira explained that innovation has become a rule and not the exception. One Council Member would like updates along the way because the approach the Chief is proposing is very innovative. This Council Member supported different fees for service for the Fire Department. He would like applicants to have a choice. The issue of staffing levels and overtime management were discussed in detail. The fact that the Chief is doing the Fire Marshall's job in addition to his regular job was also brought up once more. Public Comment Bob Diaz spoke in favor of the Fire Department, Police Department, and public safety. He spoke about the Fire Department's role in helping those with any health issues and said that response time is precious. He spoke in favor of the thorough job the police officers and CSOs (community service officers) do every day without complaint. He said the Fire and Police Departments should not be cut and that other areas can be cut instead. Guy DeLaRosa said have been a resident for almost thirty years and lives on Jefferson Avenue a few blocks from Fire Station 10. He shared how the Fire Department saved his and his wife's lives 19-months ago when they were hit by a speeding car as they walked their dog. He expressed his gratitude to the Fire Department for arriving promptly and administering aid to them. He later learned from his doctors that it was clear that he is alive because of the timing of the events in receiving aid from the Fire Department and ambulances quickly. He expressed his hope that Council would exercise due diligence in looking for funds to re-appropriate to allow the Fire Department to continue to safe lives and protect property. Briseida Madrigal said she was diagnosed with leukemia two and a half years ago and her mother, a single parent with five children, had lost her job. She said that the Fire Department was checking something at their apartment and told them they could get toys through the Redwood City toy drive. She expressed her gratitude for the toys they received. SPECIAL JOINT CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD June 21, 2010 MEETING MINUTES PAGE 6 MINUTE BOOK NO. 63 Page No. 116