2004-01-28 Special CC MinutesMINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
WEDNESDAY- - JANUARY 28, 2004- -7:00 P.M.
Mayor Johnson convened the Special Meeting at 7:11 p.m. Vice Mayor
Daysog led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll Call - Present: Councilmembers Daysog, Gilmore, Kerr,
Matarrese and Mayor Johnson - 5.
Absent: None.
Agenda Item
(04 -040) Midyear Review - Fiscal Year 2003 -04 Budget.
The City Manager and Finance Director provided a brief oral report.
In response to Mayor Johnson's request for staff to provide the
percentage increase in retirement costs, the City Manager stated
the information would be provided with the next two -year financial
plan.
Councilmember Matarrese requested a chart showing the projected
[General Fund] reserve draw down in conjunction with the increase
in percent cuts forecast for several years, to which the City
Manager responded staff would provide graphs during the budget
workshops in May.
Councilmember Matarrese stated the policy decision that will need
to be made is how far Council is willing to take down the [General
Fund] reserves; projects, which will come on line in months or
years, should be reviewed.
The City Manager stated the budget workshops for the next two -year
financial plan would include policy choices; Council can review
service reduction necessary for budget cuts versus drawing down on
the General Fund and only reducing service by a certain level;
Council would be able to review the trade offs of service cuts
versus drawing down on the General Fund.
Councilmember Matarrese requested a time chart on the rate of the
General Fund draw down to see whether the City can buy time to
institute or participate in a recovery.
The City Manager stated staff would provide projections beyond the
two -year financial plan in the event the economy takes longer to
recover.
Mayor Johnson requested staff to review raising ambulance rates.
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Alameda City Council 1
January 28, 2004
In response to Councilmember Kerr's comments regarding departmental
budget increases since 1996, the City Manager stated that, in the
budget workshops, staff would address why growth has occurred;
staff would provide the context to have Council fully informed.
Vice Mayor Daysog cautioned that
requested a status report on the
Department staff levels; stated the
non - public safety at Alameda Point sr
workshops; urged departments to
generating methods.
refinancing can cost more;
request to increase Police
amount of funding supporting
could be reviewed in the budget
establish creative revenue
The City Manager stated the City's finances have not allowed
restoration of additional Police Officers; options would be
provided and Council would have the opportunity to consider
increasing the number of Police Officers in the next budget cycle.
Mayor Johnson suggested that staff contact sport organizations
about possible cuts that could result in lower field maintenance
and request contributions from the organizations.
Councilmember Matarrese noted that poorly maintained fields
increase liability; said type of analysis should be provided.
Vice Mayor Daysog suggested that decisions be mindful that there
are some communities that cannot afford services.
Councilmember Matarrese requested a status report at the end of the
first quarter on outside pressures on the City's budget to update
the public.
Councilmember Kerr requested that the public receive notice of
dates for the budget work sessions.
The City Manager stated the meeting dates would be published.
Adjournment
There being no further business, Mayor Johnson adjourned the
Special Meeting at 8:36 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lara Weisiger
City Clerk
Agenda for meeting was posted in accordance with the Brown Act.
Special Meeting
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January 28, 2004