pages: CityCouncil/2018-07-10.pdf, 18
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CityCouncil | 2018-07-10 | 18 | Mayor Spencer stated that she would want to review the City's expenditures and get the City's house in order before asking taxpayers for more money. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she does not disagree with reducing expenditures; a looming deficit is facing the City; a number of steps need to be taken; there is not one magic bullet; the tax would be paid by residents, visitors, and tourists; discussed gentrification; stated the tax is needed; the voters should decide. Councilmember Oddie stated the City has done a good job of managing the budget and dealing with the Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) and pension issues; the City is ahead of other cities and has looked at its own books; other cities have gone to the voters and received more increases; the City of Alameda could have asked for more increases. Vice Mayor Vella stated all Councilmembers think long and hard when the City is contemplating revenue measures; even if the City maintains all services as is, there are continuing infrastructure needs; inflation and cost of living continue to increase; it is imperative that the City finds ways to generate revenue; the City should review the efficacy of the things it is doing, try to find ways to continue to provide current services and maintain infrastructure, including roads, lagoons, buildings and parks; polling shows people are supportive. On the call for the question, the motion carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye; Councilmember Matarrese: Aye; Councilmember Oddie: Aye; Vice Mayor Vella: Aye; and Mayor Spencer: No. Ayes: 4. Noes: 1. The City Clerk made brief comments on the Council's decision to author a ballot argument. Councilmember Oddie stated the second option [authorizing two Councilmembers to author the argument and have a combination of Councilmembers and other eligible voters sign] provides more flexibility; he would assume the entire Council will not sign, given the vote. Mayor Spencer stated the assumption is correct. In response to Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft's inquiry, Councilmember Oddie stated that he would prefer not to be on the subcommittee; inquired whether anyone else is interested. Mayor Spencer stated that she does not want to help write the argument. Vice Mayor Vella stated that she just served on the other subcommittee to write an argument; she would be happy if Councilmembers Matarrese and Ezzy Ashcraft would serve. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 10 July 10, 2018 | CityCouncil/2018-07-10.pdf |