1995 MIN JAN 03 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Motion by Councilmember Cook, seconded by Councilmember Sandoval,, to approve Consent Calendar with corrections to the Minutes a noted above. Unanimous vote. PUBLIC COMMENT: Mr. Fred Cordova, 190 West "Ell Street, spoke as a. private citizen a �, t the 7 1/2% ncrease in the utility tax. He said he was bothered in light of the fact that there are 4 utilities in one bill. He expressed concern for the senior citizens on fixed income and for people on welfare. He proposed that there are 1.2, 486 parcels in the City of Colton and the Citi of Colton could do a 1, 2f 3 or 4 property taxa assessment which would not hurt those individual.s on a fixed income. This would involve the abeam property owners. He suggested that raising the property tax assessment was more equitable than imposing a utilities tax. He was critical of Council's proposal to lay off employees. He suggested that Council freeze new promotions or new employees. Bance temporary workers have no benefits, they should go First, be urged that regular employees not be laid off. Bum PEA Labor Representative Dare Holmgren, spoke on behalf of the General Unit. He urged Council to put off their study until late in January so that the Council's position can be addressed without lay offs. He referred to the organization's -page letter recently forwarded to the Mayor and City Council, wherein SBPEA identified numerous savings concerns which included the payment of $1,200.0o dor tires .for the Police Departmentfs Corvette for a law enforcement drag race in Las Vegas a Volvo Utility Truck at the Corporate Yard which is not being used or has only been used I or 2 times per menth since its lease purchase; as to Parks and Recreation, there are no fees for league games, diamonds or field dragging. He urged Council to consider all options instead of lay offs. Ceuneilmember Sanders requested that the letter referring to cost savings be included by the City Manager for discussion at the meeting of January 21, 1995. Mr. Holmgren petitioned the Council to take the necessary time to conduct a full study. Mr. Holmgren said there was a reference in the City Manager's 40 - page document presented to Council on 12/19/94, along with a recent newspaper article, which was misleading in that it said that there was brainstorming by employees, who offered .ideas on revenue and reduction costs. He wanted Council to know that the General Unit as not informed nor invited to participate in such discussions. He exclaimed that the rangy: and file employees know more than department heads where savings can be realized and can identify resources not tapped into. Mr. Fulp agreed there were rumors.; however, he indicated that on 12-19-94 ideas were shared and it was stated that Council would welcome any input on 1.-21-95. Mayor Tulp JAN 0 11`9`93