pages: CityCouncil/2018-06-05.pdf, 28
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CityCouncil | 2018-06-05 | 28 | language, to which Councilmember Matarrese responded in the negative; stated the motion is to instruct staff to move forward with the sales tax measure. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether staff would return to Council about how the money would be apportioned without being too specific, to which the Public Works Director responded having the Council provide the general sense about including operational and capital needs would be helpful; he has concern about getting into special tax territory. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated the presentation posed the question for the Council to answer; that she can support leaving it open. Mayor Spencer inquired whether the sales tax measure would not indicate what the tax would be used for at all. The Public Works Director responded the ballot would have language roughly similar to Exhibit 2. Councilmember Matarrese inquired whether the language reflects the output of a poll, to which the Acting Assistant City Manager responded in the affirmative. Mayor Spencer read the draft language; inquired whether there would be no end date and there would have to be a vote of the people to end the sales tax. The Public Works Director responded voters would have to vote to end the tax. Mayor Spencer noted the proposal is similar to the hospital tax with no termination date and would go on for ever and ever unless the voters end it. The City Manager stated the issue was polled. Vice Mayor Vella stated that she does not want to wordsmith the language because it was polled; additional conversations are needed to discuss priorities and uses; as currently written, the City can spend the funds for both operations and capital projects. Mayor Spencer inquired whether Council would be willing to include that there is no end date and would require a vote of the people to end the tax. Vice Mayor Vella stated said information will come out in the ballot arguments. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated going against the polling would be foolish. Mayor Spencer stated being transparent and honest with the public is critical; she will do her utmost to make sure the voters are aware there is no end date; further suggested adding "in perpetuity." Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 28 June 5, 2018 | CityCouncil/2018-06-05.pdf |