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I I . ,. - if you do go forward with this motion, that you can write off $2.5 million in your C.I.P. and if you don't want to do that you can write off twenty cops or fire fighters. I think it is a very irresponsible motion.... I want to live in a City where I can enjoy the kind of quality of life that I enjoyed growing up in this City, and a reduction in the Capital Improvement Program will diminish my quality oflife." Council Member Hartnett said he agreed with Council Member Claire in all respects, and added, "I find it interesting that such a Motion would be made without great community input, without consulting the citizens about whether or not we should in fact rescind our Police Department increase in personnel. . .. closing the new fire station we just built in Redwood Shores." Council Member Hartnett said that instead of adding new fields the City might consider selling some off. He said, "I think the community might want to address this question, and to have a Motion made at Nine Minutes to Eleven at the end of a Budget session is one that is at best, I find curious." Council Member Hartnett said he would vote "no" on the Motion and in casting that vote, "I am casting a vote for the citizens of the community who have elected us to represent community values." Council Member Hartnett said that the Council needed to exercise positive leadership and invest in the quality of life for the community. He said that if he heard from a lot of responsible citizens saying they did not want that Police increase, and they did not want Parks and playing fields, roads to be paved in a - timely manner, "Then I might reconsider my vote." Council Member Bain said it was an interesting idea and expressed support for further Council discussion. He said he could not vote on this issue until he had lots of data about the fiscal impact, and said he would like to hear from the public. Council Member Bain said it would be irresponsible to vote on such a vague Motion. Vice Mayor Ruskin said that such a serious and sweeping Motion should have been discussed at the beginning of the Budget process as it has an effect on almost every vote that has been cast. He said this issue should be discussed with public input, but "looking at the things we need to do, staffing of the Police, putting Paramedics on all the fue engines, things that will improve the quality of life, improvement of streets, renovation and creation of Parks, we've been moving in those directions... for hours, for days, for months, this Motion would be contrary to all of that investment for the people." Vice Mayor Ruskin said any discussion of this issue should take place at a future meeting. Mayor Howard said she agreed with Vice Mayor Ruskin, "The people in the community like the direction we are going.... I haven't heard otherwise from the community, and I would not support a Motion thrown out at five Minutes to Eleven without any thought or preparation." - BUDGET STUDY SESSION MINUTE BOOK NO. 57 JULY 6, 1998 MINUTES Page No. 067 PAGE 24