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potentially contracting and expanding for various reasons. But, when it happens, the <br /> City needs to move quickly and be able to adapt and respond accordingly. He <br /> recommended that this type of discussion needs to be addressed now instead of later. <br /> Dr. Bell also alluded to the broader management group, the labor groups, revenue <br /> options, services we can sell, and how we need to focus on containing costs. <br /> Mayor Aguirre asked Dr. Bell for confirmation that the City's budget is focused on what <br /> is the known; and so, we have control on planning a budget even though there are <br /> many unknown variables. Dr. Bell confirmed those statements were accurate. He then <br /> said that for next year there is a plan and what the variables are. Dr. Bell then said for <br /> the out years, the City has to look at what it can control and look at the priorities of the <br /> Council. <br /> A Council Member said that the organizational adaptability is important and he <br /> commended the City Manager and his team. He wants to make sure there are funds <br /> set aside for the team like $250,000.00 because the City Manager has proven that he <br /> has spent money wisely. Dr. Bell asked for funds for a new website to provide services <br /> to the public. <br /> The same Council Member asked if the projections assume any increases in Full Time <br /> Employees. Mr. Ponty and Dr. Bell said they did not. The Council Member also pointed <br /> out that there is obvious going to be in the future greater demand than services <br /> provided. Therefore, the City will either need to hurry up the organizational adaptability <br /> or increase the workforce, which there will be some cost increase. He also opined that <br /> there is good news about the CaIPERS board being more accountable and less <br /> political; but, it is not a sustainable system. Lastly, the Council Member urged that the <br /> bargaining units be part of the solution and everyone needs to work together to make it <br /> work. <br /> Another Council Member stated that for him the budget report is a reminder that the City <br /> has done a lot more with less and he attributed that to the leadership and staff. <br /> Furthermore he stated that the City needed to continue to concentrate on being <br /> responsible, planning conservatively, and focus on core priorities. He also said that <br /> they need to carry on with good partnerships with the School Districts and other <br /> organizations that can bring services, and labor. The same Council Member also said <br /> that we need to invest. Furthermore, he spoke about adaptability and innovation, <br /> particularly the City being nimble and adaptable. <br /> One Council Member asked if the property tax included the new units that are being <br /> built, and Mr. Ponty confirmed. He went into detail about the sub-evaluations and what <br /> the assessments give the City. The same Council Member commented that we have to <br /> work well with our employees and it is important to share this information that we are <br /> already at critical mass. She wants it clear that the goal is not to decimate, but to have <br /> some flexibility, so it is important to have that conversation. She supports the other <br /> Council Member's comments on looking at revenue generators. She also opined that <br /> downtown has not functioned as the kind of economic generator that it should be and <br /> JOINT CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY BOARD June 3, 2013 <br /> MEETING MINUTES PAGE 8 <br /> MINUTE BOOK NO. 64 <br /> Page No. 368 <br />