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Council Member Foust read a letter from Council Member Ira advocating additional changes and efficiencies for the benefit of the community and the organization and the creation of a contingency fund with an allocation (from reserves) of$250,000.00 to address organizational efficiencies including, innovations such as the website redesign, restructuring, and one time start-up costs. Dr. Bell said that there are some plans on the shelf that would require a one-time cost. Dr. Bell said that the staff could bring to the next study session items that would fall under this category. Another Council Member suggested looking at the Port budget and have it as addendum to this budget and he is bringing this up for potential discussion next year. Mayor Aguirre noted that there is the possibility of a Port subcommittee to discuss and address issues that have been brought up and this will be discussed at the next M/VM meeting. Another Council Member would like to hear back from staff on the suggestion from Council Member Ira prior to voting on this. She would like to see if this is something that is needed, and what would the projects would be to be voted on. Mayor Aguirre noted that the only department that will have lower budget next year is the City Council. Vice Mayor Gee would like to see the list of items that could benefit from the contingency fund and how this current budget did not include any cuts of services to the community. Dr. Bell confirmed the Council direction: 1) adopt the recommended budget with a few minor changes, 2) add back the Economic Development Manager position, 3) Continue with Organizational Efficiencies, and 4) Balance next Year's deficit. City Manager Bell will bring back a list of items for Council consideration for the contingency fund. One Council Member noted that the Economic Development Manager is a second form of revenue generation and needed. This Council Member supports expanding on organizational efficiencies and he believes that the contingency fund should be towards that and use the cohorts to make them a real resource. Dr. Bell noted that the goal is to have the Economic Development Manager position show a return on investment. One Council Member spoke about the fact that it has been a tough six or seven years and she is proud of the work that has been done and the cuts and the progress and she would like more celebration. Mayor Aguirre concurred that this is a gratifying moment because of the hard work leading up to this moment. Mr. Ekern presented the water plan which is being updated through a Feasibility Study. He provided details about the Water Fund and how the money comes in and goes out. Mayor Aguirre inquired about the South Bayside System Authority and the long term plan to maintain it. Mr. Voramentsanti responded that the fees collected go to finance bonds. One Council member spoke about the ballot initiative in San Francisco which might qualify regarding the Hetch Hetchy and how this would impact our entire water supply. Another Council Member noted that the Council owes a debt of gratitude to Mr. Chris Beth for all he has done to keep this community going and working with the business community to support the services. Vice Mayor Gee noted that the good news CITY COUNCIL June 11, 2012 MEETING MINUTES PAGE 7 MINUTE BOOK NO. 64 Page No. 143