pages: CityCouncil/2005-05-17.pdf, 20
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CityCouncil | 2005-05-17 | 20 | Counci lmember Matarrese stated that he appreciates the clarity of the staff report. Mayor Johnson stated the proposal is a good approach to balancing the budget, which Council needs to continue working on; savings are the result of keeping positions vacant; a more permanent solution is needed to address on-going decreases and shortfalls in revenues the proposed budget is a good place to start; despite numerous budget sessions last year, a balanced budget was not reached thanked the Acting City Manager for his work; stated that she would like to see a combination of legal expenses in one place; legal expenses are under the City Attorney's office, Risk Management, and Alameda Power and Telecom; the legal budget should be more apparent; tracking is difficult when the entire legal budget is not in one place. The Acting City Manager stated staff would provide the information. Councilmember Daysog stated that he appreciates the summary highlighting the $1.9 million gap and how the gap was filled; inquired whether the budget includes the $1.8 million decrease in Alameda Reuse and Redevelopment (ARRA) funds. The Acting City Manager responded in the affirmative; stated the $1.8 million reduced ARRA revenue caused part of the problem. Councilmember Daysog stated the Recreation and Park Director position is being left vacant, which is leading to a policy issue of how the Council wants to organize department heads; under the Charter, the Council is responsible for organizing departments; a background on the issue should be provided when the budget adoption is considered. Mayor Johnson stated Councilmember Daysog is raising the type of long-term issues she was raising Council will probably look at reducing the number of department heads. Councilmember Matarrese stated the recommendation is simply for the next fiscal year; the position is not being eliminated; Council needs to make a decision about structure at some point. The Acting City Manager stated staff is not requesting the position be eliminated, but is requesting that Council de-fund the position; staff is requesting the position remain in place, without funding; Council would have the policy decision about whether or not to fill the position if funding becomes available. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 20 May 17, 2005 | CityCouncil/2005-05-17.pdf |