pages: CityCouncil/2014-06-03.pdf, 12
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CityCouncil | 2014-06-03 | 12 | The Recreation and Parks Director responded staff is reaching the goal of a 20% reduction in water use; stated the budget is still being exceeded because there have been no adjustment in water expenses for six to seven years while water rates have continued to increase. The Assistant City Manager continued the presentation. Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the $100,000 for a new Recreation Specialist includes salary and benefits, to which the Recreation and Parks Director responded in the affirmative; stated the position is needed to handle the increasing volume of programs and activities. The Assistant City Manager continued the presentation. Councilmember Chen inquired whether a program for tobacco license retail tax that would recover cost could be included in the Police budget. The Assistant City Manager responded staff is researching the issue; stated the issue would need to be brought back as a Council referral and cannot be done in time for the current budget process. In response to Councilmember Chen's inquiry, the City Manager stated the tobacco license is a fee, and not a tax, which needs to be justified through expenses; fees should not have a net impact on budget either way. The Assistant City Manager stated there is a wide spectrum of tobacco license fees in neighboring cities, ranging from $200 to $1,500. In response to Councilmember Chen's inquiry, the Assistant City Manager stated legislation takes time and cannot happen in a short window. Councilmember Tam stated she concurred with the City Manager; staff should move forward with research for basis to put forth a retail tobacco license fee; stated the fee would not cover the cost of enforcement; inquired whether Council can give direction to staff tonight to continue research and bring the item back. The Assistant City Manager responded in the affirmative. Councilmember Chen stated that he would like an e-cigarette and tobacco license retail tax; inquired what would be a sufficient timeframe. The City Manager responded staff would have to do outreach. The Assistant City Manager concurred with the City Manager; stated a sufficient timeframe to do research and outreach would be early fall. Joint Meeting Alameda City Council and Successor Agency to the Community Improvement Commission 3 June 3, 2014 | CityCouncil/2014-06-03.pdf |