2017-05-16 Regular - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

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