pages: CityCouncil/2011-01-04.pdf, 6
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CityCouncil | 2011-01-04 | 6 | Howard, Alameda. Vice Mayor Bonta stated the parcel tax is important to everyone; a parcel tax is not the perfect tool to generate revenue but is the chief form of self help available; that he appreciates the process in putting a new structure together; the way in which the State funds schools has major fundamental structure problems; Alameda resident, Michael Robles-Wong, is the main plaintiff in the Robles-Wong litigation which seeks to get fair funding from the State for the community; that his [Vice Mayor Bonta's] two daughters are name plaintiffs in the Robles-Wong lawsuit. Councilmember Tam stated Alameda has a long history of being self sufficient; structural problems exist at the State level and have direct impacts on school funding; school closures, increasing class size, and transporting students across town and increased traffic have significant community impacts; the School District is at the mercy of the State for its funding; the parcel tax would provide some control at the local level that the State would not be able to take away; efforts made by the Alameda Business Alliance and endorsements by the West Alameda Business Association (WABA) and Chamber of Commerce have helped in the likelihood of the parcel tax succeeding; encouraged the Council to support the resolution. Mayor Gilmore stated that she appreciates WABA and the Chamber of Commerce endorsing the parcel tax; additional taxes are in nobody's best interest except for the children; times are difficult; the parcel tax is important for the kids and the community. Vice Mayor Bonta moved adoption of the Resolution. Councilmember Tam seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. (11-016) Resolution No. 14539, "Authorizing the Acting City Manager to Apply for Annexation into the Alameda County Emergency Medical Services Special District and Authorize the Interim City Manager to Initiate a Special Tax Election to Provide Financial Support for Annexation into the District." Adopted. The Senior Management Analyst gave a Power Point presentation. Councilmember Tam left the dais at 9:02 p.m. and returned at 9:04 p.m. Mayor Gilmore stated money would need to come out of the General Fund without a funding mechanism; previous discussions have included the County taking over the City's transports, but the City would still need to pay the County $857,831 [annually]; the question is whether the financing mechanism would be the General Fund or a special tax. Vice Mayor Bonta inquired what would be the tax per parcel. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 6 January 4, 2011 | CityCouncil/2011-01-04.pdf |