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i funding is vital to CORA and they have used these funds to assist increasingly greater numbers of people making a difference and helping prevent violence. Justin Velasquez, representing IAFF (International Association of Fire Fighters) defined public safety in terms of the Fire and Police departments. He opined that a tangible solution towards ensuring public safety is to use funds from the Users' Utility Tax (UUT) for the General Fund. He shared the many selfless acts firefighters perform on their jobs and off-duty. He opined the proposed cuts are unrealistic and unreasonable. Chris Canter, representing Shelter Network, commended Council regarding their diligence during these budget sessions. He provided statistics on the increasing number and percentages of people they have served at the Redwood Family House and Maple Street House and he asked that the HSFA (Human Services Financial Assistance) and CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) funding be continued. Chris Barry, a resident of Redwood City, spoke in supported of the Fire and Police departments and asked that this linear cut be reconsidered. She said these departments are assets and go above and beyond. Laurie Wishard representing the Family Service Agency of San Mateo County, spoke in favor of continuing HSFA (Human Services Financial Assistance) funding. She provided statistical information about how the services they provide to low-income people help them and prevent 911 calls. Adrian Anderson, representing the IAFF (International Association of Fire Fighters), with time ceded by Dave Broman, spoke about public safety as a core service and opined that it consists of the Police, Fire and sometimes the Public Works departments. He spoke against an eight percent cut across all departments and he recommended picking and choosing amongst priorities. Rob Vernon, representing the Maple Street Shelter, spoke in favor of maintaining their funding and said they have met and exceeded their service goals, which reflects increased needs. He introduced Steve Carey, a former Maple Street Shelter client and a resident of Redwood City. Mr. Carey spoke about the positive impact the shelter has had on his life. He now lives independently, is productive, and is in favor of continued funding. Jess Running spoke in favor of the proposed fee for tree removals. He said that Redwood City is different from other cities between San Francisco and San Jose in how they measure trees and the need for a permit. He suggested looking again at the ordinance in terms of ineasurement, size for permits, tree species, drought tolerant species, and possibly waiving the fee in certain instances. Bonnie Miller, a Housing and Human Concerns Committee member, citizen, business manager for the Salvation Army, and a neighborhood association co-chair, spoke in support of HSFA (Human Services Financial Assistance) funding. She also spoke in favor SPECIAL JOINT CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD June 30, 2010 MEETING MINUTES PAGE 4 MINUTE BOOK NO. 63 Page No. 132