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The following spoke on the matter: <br />Mike Lopez, representing SEIU, attending last night's Council Committee <br />meeting discussed the budget; supports revenue enhancement idea of a <br />sales tax increase to assist the general fund and willing to discuss that <br />proposal; would like to survey employee for ideas; also, concept of public <br />banking. <br />Council discussion ensued: <br />Mayor Pro Tem Martinez, requested general fund and total cost of operating jail; <br />requested clarification of departmental savings line item (also referred to as <br />efficiencies); noted that most of her comments and concerns were expressed at <br />last night's council committee meeting; City needs to encourage community and <br />employee input - look at budget as long term document and not a one-year <br />budget; use of one-time funds is not responsible; need sustainable and long <br />term options. <br />Councilmember Solorio, important to have long term stability; working on <br />potential new revenue sources including parking enforcement and permit <br />program, medical marijuana increased taxes; need to address traffic fatality and <br />perhaps use technology to save lives, reconsider use of red-light cameras for <br />safety purposes; review all contracts including security services; request that <br />Raitt Street be repaved; reach out to SEIU and all other unions to assess <br />revenue enhancing options; supports increased number of police officers; asked <br />how many officers are budgeted and not filled. <br />Councilmember Tinajero, asked clarification of jail/police administration building <br />debt (staff noted that it was total of $9,000,000 total debt includes $3m for jail <br />and $6m for police administration); also requested that information on red light <br />contactor be provided to Councilmember Solorio. <br />Councilmember Sarmiento, commented on proposed jail reuse; noted that City <br />has about 90 remnant parcels of land that are not usable and only 5-10 that are <br />usable; possible use for community land trust project; supports sales tax <br />increase concept. <br />Councilmember Benavides, thanked staff for presentation; explore opportunities <br />to streamline processes that will enhance revenues or develop our community; <br />economic development needs to be augmented to attract businesses and retain <br />existing ones; challenge with gang activity — proactive invest in our youth such <br />as City of Denver who has Director of Youth Success position. <br />Councilmember Solorio, indicated that pledges made in the past such as <br />$250,000 joint use programs with SAUSD, supports half of the funds for such <br />project and other for summer youth employment program. <br />CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 12 MAY 16, 2017 <br />10A-12 <br />