Resolution 122490
12249
CITY OF ALAMEDA RESOLUTION NO.
OPPOSING BALLOT MEASURE WHICH WOULD AMEND THE
CITY CHARTER BY ENLARGING THE SCOPE OF BINDING
ARBITRATION AND REPEALING TAXPAYERS RIGHT TO
VOTE ON INCREASED AWARDS
WHEREAS, a proposed ballot measure is being circulated to
amend Article XVII and Article XXVII of the City Charter; and
WHEREAS, the proposed ballot measure would repeal Section
17-17 of Article XVII of the City Charter; and
WHEREAS, Section 17-17 of Article XVII of the City
Charter requires a vote of the electorate before any additional
financial burdens can be imposed as a result of an arbitration
award, and
1
WHEREAS, repeal of Section 17-17 of Article XVII of the
City Charter would result in a loss of financial control and
accountability since without the vote of the electorate as a
safeguard, an outside arbitrator, with no financial responsibility
to the City, can make a financial award which may require higher
taxes or cuts in critical service; and
WHEREAS, the proposed ballot measure would also amend
Article XXVII by deleting the existing sections and adding new
sections to the City Charter which would make all disputes
regarding terms and conditions of employment, subject to
arbitration; and
WHEREAS, enlarging the scope of binding arbitration to
include all working conditions will limit management's flexibility
to operate efficiently and will decrease efficiency of government
operations; and
WHEREAS, the direct cost to the City of Alameda would
include not only any increased financial benefits awarded by an
arbitrator but also payment for arbitrators and for professional
counsel to prepare cases would increase significantly if all
working conditions are subject to arbitration;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council
hereby opposes the amendment to the City Charter which would
enlarge the scope of binding arbitration aria which would repeal
provisions of the Charter preventing additional financial burden
being imposed on taxpayers as a result of binding arbitration
without a vote on the electorate.
I, the undersigned, hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution
was duly and regularly adopted and passed by the Council of the
City of Alameda in regular meeting assembled on the 19th day of
May , 1992, by the following vote to wit:
AYES: Councilmembers Camicia, Lucas, Roth and
President Withrow — 4,
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTENTIONS: Councilman Arnerich — 1,
IN WITNESS, WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the
official seal of said City this 20th day of May , 1992.
Dian B. Felsch, City Clerk
City of Alameda