1995 ADJ MIN FEB 28 - Laserfiche WebLink

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that were eliminated and that are in jeopardy such as the meals for seniors. He termed the layoffs unfair. He said the City should have taken other measures such as selling property that the City owns. The City owns many buildings and has many parcels. Additionally, He pointed out that revenue is coming to the City every day. If citizens stopped paying their bills for water, power and refuse, the City would have to close City Hall. On the subject of franchise hauling, he said Council could save $1.0 million by not extending BFI's contract. He wondered if services were provided free of charge for the medical center. Electric Utility Director Clarke said the City owns its utilities and doesn't give anything away. Mr. Fred Cordova, 190 West E Street, challenged Councilmembers to forego the $50 they each receive monthly to use for the office at home. For the third time he urged Council approve a property tax assessment. He calculated that at $5.00 per month per parcel the City would realize $1.8 million in income. He remarked that this was an equitable distribution as it would affect the absent landlords. Secondly, he proposed a utility tax. He asked, "What's wrong with it?" He said he could afford $5.00 a month if it would save jobs. Mr. Steve Anderson, 3049 E. Canyon Vista, commented on the budget where he found that constant manning needs to be eliminated. He said he was against the idea of increased taxes specially when the system allows the battalion chief to earn more than the fire chief. He said a tax increase is not the answer to budget problems. He spoke on the problems facing the residents of the Hidden Canyon Estates located in Reche Canyon and part of Councilmember Bennett's jurisdiction. He said that in July of 1994, Councilmember Bennett came to the residents as a private citizen. She blasted former Mayor Gonzales and she told the residents she was going to solve the problems for them. He was outraged that there had been no solutions to the problems and that he had received no answer to his correspondence. He referred to a document which he claimed appeared to be drafted by the City Attorney. City Attorney Biggs said she could not comment as there was pending litigation. City Attorney Biggs advised Council that the subject being discussed is the fiscal plan. Mr. T. Dornan said he had worked in the sanitation department for 2 1/2 years and that it hurt to see what is happening to the department and to the employees who have given many years of dedicated service. He requested a hold on any further layoffs. He urged that the City keep our Sanitation Department. Like other citizens, he offered to take a tax increase before someone else is released. Mr. Steven Robinson, Attorney at Law, 11750 Cedar, Bloomington, agreed it was a wise choice to halt further cuts and said it was necessary to reconsider the cuts made. Privatization is a bad idea. He reminded that government corruption had to do with contracting out. There are other alternatives such as raising taxes and restructuring. 4 FEB 2 8 1995