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06/12/2009
• B A K E R S F I E L D CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE MEMORANDUM June 12, 2009 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Co FROM: Alan Tandy, City Manager SUBJECT: General Information MISCELLANEOUS CITY NEWS On Tuesday, June 16th there will be a special meeting of the Planning & Development Committee (resulting from the June 4th Planning & Development Committee meeting) for action on the Phase IV Metropolitan Bakersfield Regional Transportation Impact Fee (TIF). This meeting was set by Chair Scrivner to provide interested parties, including the Home Builders Association (HBA) one last opportunity to submit their remaining questions and comments regarding the TIF program to staff for response. Over the course of the past two-plus years the City and County have been jointly working on developing the Phase IV TIF program. During this time, staff has made it a priority to include the public in the process. This has been evidenced by the twenty-plus public meetings, workshops, and industry meetings that have been held to discuss the Phase IV TIF. In addition, the City and County have previously provided, and continue to provide, answers to a large volume of technical questions that have been asked by the HBA and other interested individuals. Questions, the majority of which have been answered previously, continue to be submitted as a means to delay the process. These efforts have resulted in an eight-month delay in the County approving the Phase IV TIF. While we have and continue to provide information with regard to the areas of concern raised by the HBA, we cannot guarantee that it will ever be satisfied with all of our answers, based on its subjective view of the issue. There are and may always be several areas in which City staff must agree to disagree with the HBA, and the process must move forward. I would like to share with you an excerpt from the closing paragraph of the HBA's most recent letter dated June 10th, which included nearly fifty questions: "This represents our first cut at a series of questions and concerns that we have with the Proposed update of the Traffic Impact Fee Program. This list is not comprehensive and does not limit our ability to ask questions during the course of public discourse on this proposal." This statement gives us pause to think the questions have become a mechanism to bog down and delay the process. The HBA and others have had ample opportunity over the past two years to ask questions and debate the proposal, which they have. The City is now in a position to adopt the same revised Phase IV TIF program that was just passed by the Board of Supervisors following a lengthy review by the HBA. Those fees are lower than the ones you adopted last October. The Bakersfield Commons project — near Brimhall and Coffee — is spending lots of money on mailers, ads, visits to groups, lobbying for endorsements, etc. All we want from them is a realistic traffic study — since they sit at several of the worst points of congestion in metro Bakersfield — that does not seem Honorable Mayor and City Council June 12, 2009 Page 2 like an unreasonable request. If they spent one tenth the time and effort on the traffic study that they are spending on PR — it could have been done long ago! We had residents of Stockdale Hwy appear Wednesday night about the widening project. We had staff meet with them and will continue to address their concerns. Separate but related, we remind you that we got $12 million in economic stimulus money to resurface arterial streets. That money is under strict time frames and has to be used in the near term. The first half of the bids will go out fairly soon — on Ashe, Hughes, Wible, Wilson and Mt. Vernon. We will bid Ming and Coffee a few months later. All of the work is badly needed and the federal money is the only way to get it done. Every project will be disruptive to business, taxpayers, and commuters, and will generate complaints not identical to those on Stockdale, but as sincere and real. Just an advance warning! A memo and photos are enclosed of the Village Park Sr. Apartments, the new affordable rental housing development for seniors, which opened in downtown within the Mill Creek area on May 28tH This project was developed by Golden Empire Affordable Housing, Inc, in collaboration with the Housing Authority of the County of Kern. The City contributed $2 million in HOME entitlement funds toward the development of this project. The new Maya Cinema Bakersfield 16 is nearing completion and currently accepting applications for employment. To minimize disruptions to the construction process applicants should submit applications online until additional instructions have been provided by the developers. More information is enclosed. Save the date of Wednesday, June 24th at 10:30 a.m. for the Saunders Spray Park Grand Opening. I will be taking time off Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of next week. John Stinson will be in charge during my absence and the office will have my contact information if necessary. The Streets Division work schedule for the week of June 15th is enclosed. MORE ON THE BUDGET AND THE ECONOMY The enclosed coalition letter to protect Gas Taxes for Transportation was sent to Assemblymember Noreen Evans, Vice Chair, Joint Budget Conference Committee. The letter urges her to reject any proposal to take and/or borrow gas tax funds. Enclosed are more articles from various newspapers that highlight the difficult times public agencies are facing and how they are adjusting their budgets. FRESNO, CA — The City's police officers union announced this week that it will forgo a 2% raise scheduled for next fiscal year and be required to accrue more than twice as many holiday hours before they could cash them in for pay. The contract will be extended two additional years to 2012 without any pay increases. The change to the pay in-lieu of holiday time issue will save money in the short term, but would mean larger payouts in the future. If the contract is not ratified, ten police manager positions and two sergeant positions will be eliminated — a move that would result in twenty-five demotions as job holders bump other employees Honorable Mayor and City Council June 12, 2009 Page 3 out of their jobs. Approving the contract will not avoid the planned layoff of nine retired officers who are working in a youth outreach program. GALT and LODI, CA — Enclosed is a look at what employee unions in the City of Lodi, Lodi Unified School District and Galt Union High School District have given up in concessions. In the City of Galt, only the department heads have modified their contracts. The group agreed to not receive a scheduled cost-of-living increase this year. KERN COUNTY, CA — The Board of Supervisors approved dozens of layoffs this week. Those departments affected were the Assessor's Office (6 layoffs), Parks and Recreation (9 layoffs), and General Services (12 layoffs). The effective date of the layoffs has been pushed back to late July or early August to give administrators additional time to refine their strategy. MODESTO, CA — The Modesto Police Officers Association has rejected the Mayor's request to postpone the 3 percent raise due this month and the 2 percent raise due in February next year. Delaying the raises would save $820,000, which is roughly equal to the pay and benefits for eight to twelve officers. Since other city employees have agreed to lose nearly 5 percent of their salaries through furloughs, and the Council is unlikely to make deeper cuts in other departments, the Mayor intends to follow through on the layoffs. SACRAMENTO, CA — The City of Sacramento offered firefighters a deal that would avert fifty firefighter layoffs and almost mirrored the deal that police approved weeks ago. In return for freezing salaries for one year, police were offered pay raises of 1 percent in 2011, 2 percent in 2012, and 3 '/2 percent in 2013. In addition, senior officers, soon to be retiring, were allowed to take furloughs instead of giving up raises. By taking furloughs, they would be able to retain their higher salary rates, and their pensions would not be adversely affected by the deferred pay raises. The fire union rejected that agreement and approved a tentative pact that gave firefighters a 3 percent raise over two years instead. The rank and file firefighters rejected the agreement their union leaders negotiated because they wanted the deal the police officers got, which the fire union rejected. Now the fire union, in exchange for a 2 '/2-year pay freeze, wants the city to agree not to lay off any firefighters or close any fire stations and promise to keep four-to-a-crew fire staffing rules in place. TURLOCK, CA — The City Council laid off twenty-three full- and part-time employees and eliminated thirty-nine positions in order to close nearly half of its $5.1 million deficit. The City will use general fund reserves to cover the other half. The Building Department took the biggest hit with a loss of eight employees. The budget also included a proposal to postpone merit pay increases, which would require union approval and save $301,000. Earlier this year, city groups agreed to put 5 percent of their salaries toward their health care costs and pensions, which saved more than $1 million. AT:rs:rk cc: Department Heads Pamela McCarthy, City Clerk Roberta Gafford, Assistant City Clerk B A K E R S F I E L D Economic and Community Development Department M E M O R A N D U M June 6, 2009 TO: Alan Tandy, City Manager/ Kam. FROM: Donna Kunz, 60-nomic Development Director SUBJECT: Grand Opening for Village Park Sr Apartments @ 2300 R Street A new$9 million ±affordable rental housing development for seniors opened in downtown Bakersfield within the Mill Creek area on May 28, 2009. The City contributed $2M in HOME entitlement funds towards the development of this much needed senior project. The affordable housing complex consists of 60, one and two bedroom apartments for senior citizens 62 years of age or older. The project was developed by Golden Empire Affordable Housing, Inc. (GEAHI), in collaboration with the Housing Authority of the County of Kern. This is GEAHI's second senior low-income housing tax credit project downtown near 24th and R Streets. The Village Park Sr. Apartment units will be rented to persons at or below 60% of the area median income. The decorative two-story facility features laundry facilities, a community room, library, exercise room, two elevators, plus an interior courtyard and gated parking. The Village Park Sr. Apartments project is an infill complement to the redevelopment of a multi-block area north of Central Park that already includes, Park Place Senior Apartments, Parkview Cottages, as well as the Housing Authority's commercial/office complex. Some recent pictures taken at the ribbon cutting are attached. 1 �' �---- mss ;'. ��. �'• ' • S - < i - } �v'✓ ' �.gyp ���, _ r ,� % . , _ ter- ..,�nuu► alllllllltiillllllil! - Jill • I, O JR iTr- rr , .a s� � 1 yy '5.: • . r w f` f Mad lima mmmmm �{ lull ®� 0 A., 0 IItIIIIIIIiII�f�I�E�O ' Y a a .Illlllllllllilllillil IIIIIo►�.,�III!' � �� cr cu a rn i 3 �If E Q - d •3 W o _ V U LO ............ . �� ' \ _ k � ` k � E k . � IL } An $ E IL , C ? � « . : v 3 \ ■ » . 0 ++ Y 1 I� U O O d I C U I c O - n a I Y f0 m rn a d N d d N 3 a rn a CL m N J Q U ` O J tm gnu i t W 2 - / o U �r I � r e; 0 v 0 v i rn c 3 i � c 0 a Y f0 IL m cm m a i d N d d N .3 CL L rn I E m f- i N J tm Q 0 _ J d .7 t W V O O 00 i E d rn c U c 0 a cc i Y f6 a m rn m v� m N ID d N '3 CL rn M C CL E a i N J Q U O J N .7 V W 2 D U O 0 U rn i U O O d I O) C Tr V J � ry.Y Y a7 CL a) rn as v ar � N a) N N 3 a rn a C CL E H i N J Q U J i W V O i f/ U B A K E R S F I E L D JUN 12 2009 Economic and Community Development Department ME M OR AND UM TO: Alan Tandy City Man er June 11, 2009 t�� U FROM: Donna Kunz, Econom' evelopment Director SUBJECT: South Mill Creek Plaza Maya Cinema Employment Applications The new Maya Cinema Bakersfield 16 is nearing completion and currently accepting applications for employment. To minimize disruptions to the construction proces applicants should submit applications on line until additional instructions have been provided by the developer. Employment applications can be obtained at www.mayacinemas.com/index.php. Please email the completed application to: applV@mayacinemas.com. A copy of the web site home page, the employment application, and instructions for completing the application are attached. J ADarnell\MEMOTEMP.doc r. V M 0) D of Vl 3 A' as o0i �. p r 7 p - r -On n ;( M _ j' (OD n N O S W v A O- 7 C p l L" rZ y -I A r, nc cr 4 CD Ortl O O H S 3 y M M r 01 rt K m r 0 M 0 Y a ut N � p 3 o i � O 3 O O fD U1 rt lD -I r O (D Mo L; 3 7 C p.. 0 3 N O 10 J.A A y a k A _� w W O S N S (D y d 0 O O 3 UI UI (n 41 Ar. y V = r O p N r rD O of O O UI r W W J.' W N r O O O O O O p O C O J.A O O O Ln W W V p OW r O r O r O a O ' J.A {� O UI to ^. 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O CAD O tv Date Received on: 1VIAYA CINEMAS Received By: EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION Equal Opportunity Employer Name: Date of Application: Last First Address: Street City State Zip Phone Number( ) Social Security Number -- -- Position(s)applied for: Date Available Are you interested in: ❑ Full Time ❑ Part Time ❑ Seasonal z --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- O Would you be willing to work: ~Q Days and Hours Available: ❑ Days Fri.Sat. Sun. Mon. Tues. Wed. Thur. O ❑ Nights From Z L1 Weekends To J -- -- This is primarily a weekend and holiday job_ please be advised of that when applying QQ - - - - - - - - - - ----------------------------------------- W How did you find out about Maya Cinemas? z ❑ Friend ❑ Relative ❑ School ❑Walk-In ❑Website ❑ Rehire ❑Job Fair O ❑ Employee Referral Name ❑ Newspaper Name ❑ Radio/TV/Cable Name ❑ Other Have you ever worked for Maya? Location: Date: Position Have you ever worked for another theatre company?Company: Location Do you know anyone currently employed at Maya Cinemas? ❑ Yes ❑ No If Yes please list name(s): --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Are you 18 or older? ❑Yes ❑ No If under 18,are you at least 16 and able to provide a valid work permit O Yes❑No --------------------------------Y —------ ---- ---- ---- - ----------------------- --- - --------------------------- Can you after an offer of employment,submit verification of our legal right to work in the United States? ❑Yes ❑ No Circle Highest Grade Completed: High School College Grad School F19010011 ❑12 ❑1❑2 3 ❑MA S MBAE]DhD Name and Location Major Graduate? Degree High School: zz Jr.College/College IH Q U Graduate School: O W Vocational or Professional Training: Are you currently enrolled in school? ❑ Yes ❑ No List any Honors,Awards, Leadership Roles,Clubs or activities you are involved in: ;a Branch of US Service: .2 �2 Service Dates: vi (n Duties: Special Training: a4" Dates and Salary ' From MoNear Employer(most recent) Job information Dates:To Name: From: Title: Address: Duties: "Salary Starting: � r Phone Area Code: Salary Final: Supervisor's Name: 3 Reason for Leaving: IV � May we contact this employer? Yes No Dates and Salary From MolYear Employer Job information Dates:To Name: Title: From: Address: Duties: Salary Starting: Phone/Area Code: Salary Final: Supervisor's Name: Reason for Leaving: r.. May we contact this employer? Yes No s 4 Dates and Salary From Mo/Year Employer Dates:To Job information " Name: Title: Q, a From: r 's Address: Sala Starting Duties: — 4 ry g' Phone/Area Code: Salary Final: Supervisors Name: Reason for Leaving: May we contact this employer? Yes No Identify and explain all periods of employment with in the last ten years:attach additional sheets if required. �' fl a t; Special Skills: w � f Have you ever been convicted of a crime (felony or misdemeanor)? ❑ Yes N No (Please exclude misdemeanor offences for marijuana related offences more then two years old;convictions that have been sealed, expunged,or legally eradicated;and misdemeanor convections for which probation was successfully completed or otherwise discharged and Q the case was judicially dismissed.) If yes please describe; w The nature of the crimes: the date and place of the conviction: r the legal disposition of the case: Note:the company will not deny employment to any applicant solely because the person has been convicted of a crime.Each case will be evaluated based on its own facts and merits. My signature below certifies that I have read, understand and agree the following: Verification Of Data:l certify that the information contained in this application is correct to the best of my knowledge. I understand that falsification or distortion of this information or a material omission may result in denial of an offer or my immediate termination. "At-Will"Agreement:If I am hired, I agree to conform to Maya Cinemas policies,rules and regulations.I understand that I will be an"At- Will"employee.This means that my employment is at will and can be terminated at any time with or without notice at my option or the Z company's option. I further understand and agree that this at will employment relationship will remain in effect throughout my employment Q g unless it is modified by a specific,express written employment contract signed by the President of the Company and me which specifically states it is changing my at will status.This is a integrated agreement with respect to the at will employment relationship and may not be modified by any oral or implied agreement. Background Check:Employment with Maya Cinemas may be contingent upon a successful completion of a background check which may include,but is not limite L�1 to,credit,criminal,DMV,previous employment,education and personal references. Physical Examination:Employment with Maya Cinemas way be contingent upon a successful completion of a pre-employment physical which may include a blood,urine and/or other medical tests for alcohol,drugs and controlled substances.I further understand and agree the Company may require me to submit to a drug and alcohol screen after I am employed.Prior to testing,I agree to sign the company's authorization forms wherein I will agree to submit to such testing and t authorize the release of the results to Maya Cinemas. Release:I authorize the schools and employers listed on this application to give you any and all information concerning my previous school and employment histo and any pertinent information they may have,personal or otherwise,and release all parties from all liability for any damages that may result from furnishing same t you Signature: Date: Page 1 of 2 STREETS DIVISION — WORK SCHEDULE WEEK OF JUNE 15, 2009 — JUNE 19, 2009 Resurfacing/Reconstructing streets in the following areas Continue sealing streets in the area between Allen Road & Calloway Drive, south of Snow Road. Miscellaneous Streets Division projects: Installing sidewalk on the east side of "P" Street between Belle Terrace and the south property line of the Fairgrounds. Preparing the south side of Kingsley Lane for installation of curb and gutter, from Castro Lane to the west end. THIS SPACE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK Week of June 15-2009—Work Schedule Page 2 of 2 STREETS SWEEPING SCHEDULE Monday, June 15, 2009 City areas between 99 Hwy. & Stine Rd. — Panama Ln. & Taft Hwy. Tuesday, June 16, 2009 Between Panama Lane & Woodmere Dr. — Ashe Rd. & Stine Rd. Between District Blvd. & Panama Ln. -- Gosford Rd. & Ashe Rd. Between Akers Rd. & Phyllis St. — Harris Rd. & Panama Ln. City areas between Akers Rd. & Stine Rd. — Harris Rd. & Panama Ln. Cul-de-sacs on the north side of Angela Way, between Manely Ct. & Cris Ct. Between Oswell Park Dr. & Brundage Ln. — Oswell St. & Leeta St. Wednesday, June 17, 2009 City areas between Workman St. & Sterling Rd. — 58 Hwy. & Baja Dr. Between Morning Dr. & Park Dr. — College Ave. & Willis Ave. Between Buena Vista Rd. & Old River Rd. — White Ln. & Panama Ln. Between Old River Rd. & Gosford Rd. — White Ln. & Pacheco Rd. Thursday, June 18, 2009 City areas between Stockdale Hwy. & Ming Ave. — Ashe Rd. & Gosford Rd. Between El Portal/Laurelglen Blvd. & Ashe Rd. — Ming Ave. & So. Halfmoon/Olympia Dr. Between Ashe Rd. & Stine Rd. — Ming Ave. & So. Halfmoon/Edgemount Dr. Between Coffee Rd. & Wilson Rd. (ext.) — White Ln. & So. Halfmoon/Olympia Dr. Friday, June 19, 2009 Between Stockdale Hwy. & Ming Ave. — Allen Rd. & Old River Rd. Between Old River Rd. & Coffee Rd. — Ming Ave. & Ridge Oak/Westwold Dr. Between Ridge Oak/Westwold Dr. & White Ln. — Old River Rd., east to the PG&E easement. Between White Ln. & Asperata Dr. — Gosford Rd., west to the PG&E easement. Between White Ln. & Cedarwood Dr. — Stine Rd. & Wilson Rd. (ext.) Week of June 15_2009_Work Schedule Coalition Against Fiscally Reckless California Alliance for Jobs Diversion of Gas Tax Funds Transportation California California State Council of Laborers California Conference of Carpenters June 5, 2009 Operating Engineers Local Union No.3 Associated General Contractors(AGC) Assembly Member Noreen Evans California Transit Association Vice Chair, Joint Budget Conference Committee Self Help Counties Coalition State Capitol, Room 6026 League of California Cities Sacramento, CA 95814 California State Association of Counties California Association of Councils of Governments Re: Borrowing Gas Taxes to Close the Budget Gap is Fiscally Regional Council of Rural Counties Reckless AAA Northern California Automobile Club of Southern California Dear Assembly Member Evans: California Teamsters Public Affairs Council Teamsters Union Local 952 We urge you to reject any proposal to take and/or borrow gas tax funds California Business Properties Association to use for general fund purposes. Proposals on the table to take Golden State Builders Exchanges outright more than $900 million in gas taxes directly from local American Council of Engineering Companies governments, as well as suspending Prop. 42 funding protections, will Engineering&Utilities Contractors not help solve the State's budget crisis. Instead, such borrowing and Association raids will put thousands of construction workers out of work and onto Professional Engineers in California state social services, will make future budgeting more difficult, and will Government kill the job creation and revenue generation that result from Engineering&General Contractors Association infrastructure investment. Construction Industry Air quality Coalition Orange County Business Council California would lose out on the creation of tens of thousands Silicon Valley Leadership Group of jobs and billions in economic activity at the worst possible Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce time. Every $1 billion invested in infrastructure generates $5 billion Bay Area Council in economic activity and 18,000 jobs. Much of this economic activity Contra Costa Council is put immediately to work-- as contracts are awarded, contractors Southern California Contractors Association begin purchasing equipment and materials, hiring workers, paying Sacramento Transportation Authority payroll, and generating sales and income taxes to state and local Ventura County Contractors Association governments. Borrowing gas tax funds—even temporarily—will Sonoma County Transportation Authority result in thousands of job losses, billions in lost economic activity, Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority millions in lost revenues for the state, and added pressure on state El Dorado County Transportation coffers to pay unemployment and other benefits for those who lost Commission Solano Transportation Authority their jobs. Transportation Authority of Marin San Mateo County Transit District Infrastructure investment builds a stronger economy. Because San Mateo County Transportation Authority of the dire economic situation, construction contractors are more Caltrain competitive than ever. Contractors are currently bidding at 20 to 40 City/County Association of Governments of percent under engineers' estimate on public works projects. San Mateo County California is getting the best value it has in many years on Santa Barbara County Association of Governments infrastructure investment and should be doing more, not less, to The 50 Mobility Partnership stimulate our economy through investing in public works. Humboldt Builders'Exchange Granite Construction Borrowing gas tax funds now will plunge the state deeper in Teichert Construction debt later— requiring billions of dollars in repayment in just DeSilva Gates Construction three years. Any borrowing of gas tax funds must be repaid in Alcorn Fence Company three years when experts predict California will still be facing multi- Arrowhead Central Credit Union Tavaglione Construction and Development, billion dollar deficits. Inc. Jezowski&Markel Contractors,Inc Signature Properties CH2M Hill Coalition Against Fiscally Reckless Diversion of Gas Tax Funds Joint Letter Page 2 • Permanently diverting the local share of the gas tax has serious long-term consequences. The local share of the gas tax is the lifeline for counties and cities struggling to maintain the vast local transportation system. Any permanent erosion of existing funding levels will jeopardize public works departments and their mission to respond to the mobility and safety needs of the public and strangle economic activity that requires the efficient movement of goods and people. ■ Raiding transportation funding goes against the will of voters. Twice voters overwhelmingly supported measures to guarantee the state sales tax on gasoline goes to road improvements. Any proposals to borrow or repeal funding dedicated to transportation ignore the clear mandate set by voters. In 2006, 77% of voters approved Proposition 1A, preventing the state from using sales taxes on gasoline for non-transportation purposes. • Raiding gas tax funds disproportionately impacts the construction industry, its employees and contractors. The construction industry is already facing 20% unemployment due to the global recession. Local governments across the state are already laying off public works staff. Raiding all of the state sales tax on gas would disproportionately impact an industry that is already reeling and could literally put many contractors and public works departments out of business. Using gas tax funds for infrastructure improvements, as intended by the voters, is the fiscally responsible choice that will provide both short and long-term economic stimulus to expedite our economic recovery. We strongly urge you to continue to use gas tax funds for the purposes they were intended and reject any proposals to borrow, divert or outright raid these funds. Respectfully, Jim Earp, Executive Director California Alliance for Jobs Danny Curtin, Director California Conference of Carpenters Jose Mejia, Director California State Council of Laborers Russ Burns, Business Manager Tom Holsman, CEO Operating Engineers Local Union No. 3 Associated General Contractors—California Joshua W. Shaw, Executive Director California Transit Association Jim Santangelo, Chairman California Teamsters Public Affairs Council Keith Dunn, Executive Director Self Help Counties Coalition Patrick D. Kelly, Secretary-Treasurer Teamsters Union Local 952 Chris McKenzie, Executive Director Rex Hime, President&CEO League of California Cities California Business Properties Association Paul McIntosh, Executive Director California State Association of Counties Keith Woods, President Golden State Builders Exchanges Patricia Megason, Executive Vice President Regional Council of Rural Counties Paula LaBrie, Legislative Counsel AAA Northern California Rusty Selix, Executive Director California Association of Councils of Governments Tim Chang, Legislative Counsel Automobile Club of Southern California Paul Meyer, Executive Director American Council of Engineering Companies, Mark Watts, Executive Director California Transportation California Coalition Against Fiscally Reckless Diversion of Gas Tax Funds Joint Letter Page 3 Tara McGovern, Director of Government Michael T. Burns, General Manager Relations Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority Engineering & Utilities Contractors Association Mark Sheahan, President Tony Harris, Chief Transportation Consultant Professional Engineers in California Government The 50 Mobility Partnership Debbie Day, Executive Director Jim Spering, Chair Engineering & General Contractors Solano Transportation Authority Association Dianne Steinhauser, Executive Director Mike Lewis, Senior Vice President Transportation Authority of Marin Construction Industry Air Quality Coalition Mike Scanlon, General Manager/CEO San Mateo County Transit District Lucy Dunn, President& CEO San Mateo County Transportation Authority Orange County Business Council Caltrain Carl Guardino, President& CEO Harry Armstrong, Chair Silicon Valley Leadership Group Fresno County Transportation Authority Gary Toebben, President& CEO Larry Zarian, Former Chair Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Jim Wunderman, President& CEO Authority Bay Area Council Charlene McCombs, Executive Director Linda Best, President & CEO Humboldt Builders' Exchange Contra Costa Council Ken Kayser, President Bill Davis, Executive Vice President Teichert Construction Southern California Contractors Association William G. Dorey, President & CEO Jim Ryan, Executive Vice President Granite Construction Associated General Contractors—San Diego Richard B. Gates, President and General Richard Napier, Executive Director Partner DeSilva Gates Construction City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County Greg Erickson, President & CEO Lupe Alvarez, Chairman Alcorn Fence Company Santa Barbara County Association of Larry R. Sharp, President& CEO Governments Arrowhead Central Credit Union Robert Weich, Executive Director Ventura County Contractors Association Joe Tavaglione, President Tavaglione Construction and Development, Brian A. Williams, Executive Director Inc. Sacramento Transportation Authority Mike Barth, President Suzanne Smith, Executive Director Jezowski & Markel Contractors, Inc. Sonoma County Transportation Authority Jim Ghielmetti, CEO Anthony Hernandez, Director of Government Signature Properties Affairs Kevin Johnson CH2M Hill Mayor, City of Sacramento Kathryn Mathews, Executive Director Anthony El Dorado County Transportation Commission Mayor,City cof Sunnyvale Coalition Against Fiscally Reckless Diversion of Gas Tax Funds Joint Letter Page 4 Andrew J. Takata Peter Rogers Town Manager, Town of Yucca Valley Mayor, City of Chino Hills Thurston Smith Kelly J. Chastain Mayor, City of Hesperia Mayor, City of Colton Joseph Hughes Melanie Fesmire City Manager, City of Highland Mayor, City of Indio Rick Roelle Dennis Donohue Mayor, Town of Apple Valley Mayor, City of Salinas Ronald O. Loveridge Ralph Rubio Mayor, City of Riverside Mayor, City of Seaside Carol McKay Curt McBride City Administrator, City of Dorris Mayor, City of Portola Jan McClintock Steve Nolan City Manager, City of Colusa Mayor, City of Corona Rick Bosetti Scott Nassif Mayor, City of Redding President, Desert Mountain Division, League of California Cities Steve Williams City Manager, City of Palmdale Marlin H. "Skip" Davies Pete Aguilar Mayor, City of Woodland Councilmember, City of Redlands Gina Garbolino Melanie Fesmire Mayor, City of Roseville Mayor, City of Indio Mike Parness Connie Gonsalves City Manager, City of Napa Mayor, City of Jackson Maggie Houlihan Andrew T. Souza Mayor, City of Encinitas City Manager, City of Fresno Richard A. Stewart Peter Towne Mayor, City of Moreno Valley Mayor, City of Willows Crystal Crawford Ken Hunt Mayor, City of Del Mar City Manager, City of Fontana Cynthia Mathews Gary Thomasian Mayor, City of Santa Cruz Mayor, City of Murrieta Maryann Edwards Michael Sweeney Mayor, City of Temecula Mayor, City of Hayward Ken Nordhoff Kathleen J. DeRosa City Manager, City of San Rafael Mayor, City of Cathedral City Linda Vernon Carol Martin Mayor, City of Tehachapi City Manager, City of Shasta Lake Mark Wallace Pete Carr Mayor, City of Dinuba Administrator, City of Biggs Coalition Against Fiscally Reckless Diversion of Gas Tax Funds Joint Letter Page 5 David D. Gustayson, PE Gregory C. Devereaux Director of Public Works & Transportation, City Manager, City of Ontario City of Beverly Hills David H Ready, Don Adolph City Manager, Palm Springs Mayor, City of La Quinta Gary Bric Mayor, City of Burbank - Local Page 1 of 1 Deal to delay raises would ease Fresno police cuts Union must approve the plan to forgo a 2% wage increase and other measures. Published online on Monday,Jun.08,2009 By John Ellis/The Fresno Bee Rank-and-file Fresno police officers would forgo raises and make other concessions under a deal announced Monday that city officials hope will forestall the more severe cuts they were planning for law enforcement. Under terms of the tentative agreement,Fresno Police Officers Association members would give up a 2%salary increase scheduled for the fiscal year that begins July 1.And members also would have to accrue more than twice as many holiday hours before they could cash them in for pay. Mayor Ashley Swearengin said the agreement--which still must be ratified by the FPOA membership--would"meet immediate budget challenges." "This is a fair agreement,and it deserves to be ratified,"Swearengin said at a City Hall news conference Monday afternoon.She was joined by FPOA President Jacky Parks,Police Chief Jerry Dyer and City Manager Andy Souza. Officials gave almost no details of the deal because Parks said he wants to make a full presentation to members.The value of union concessions is unknown, other than they amount to"several million dollars,"according to Dyer. Under the agreement,the contract between the city and the FPOA--due to expire on June 30,2010--would be extended by two additional years,to 2012. City officials wouldn't say when police can expect their next raise. A separate bargaining unit representing managers such as deputy chiefs,captains and lieutenants also would forgo a scheduled 2%raise,as well as agree to a higher threshold for cashing out holiday-hour accruals.In addition,managers agreed not to cash out administrative-leave time,which amounts to 60 hours a year. Police officers accrue 8.3 holiday hours per month because they often must work holidays.When they accrue 96 hours,they can be paid for the hours instead of taking time off.Under the new agreement,that threshold would be increased to 230 hours. That would save the city money in the short term,but would mean larger payouts in the future. If the contract is approved,Dyer said a plan to save money by eliminating 10 police manager positions and two sergeant positions--a move that would result in 25 demotions as job holders bump other employees out of their jobs--would"thankfully"be avoided.The department has 849 sworn officers;it is unclear how many of those are managers. The agreement would not prevent the planned layoff of nine retired officers who are working in a youth outreach program. Parks said he was"very hopeful"his membership would approve the agreement.Voting will take place June 17 after members are briefed on the details. Swearengin last month announced plans to freeze pay,lay off nine workers and demote or transfer 74 others to save money. She said the cuts were needed because of a recession-induced 7.7%drop in the city's expected general fund revenues next fiscal year.The measures are expected to save the city$26.8 million in each of the next two years,she said. Jeff Cummins,an assistant professor of political science at California State University,Fresno,said it's rare for a police union--usually the most powerful of city unions--to agree to forgo a pay raise. "It signifies the severity of the recession and how much revenues have declined,"he said. He also said many local governments and their unions will face a similar debate--less pay or fewer jobs. Clovis has sought concessions from city workers,including police officers and firefighters,to help it close a budget gap that continues to grow. Clovis city workers'pay was reduced 4.34%through June 30.Beginning July 1,Clovis employees will be asked to lower their base pay by 5.74%. The city also is considering incentives to encourage veteran police and firefighters to retire early and avoid the need for layoffs.Clovis officials are trying to bridge a$5.3 million revenue shortfall for the fiscal year that starts July 1. On Monday,Swearengin said the police union"has shown the way"--and she hoped other city unions would follow. Alex Correa,business agent for the Fresno City Employees Association,said Monday that his bargaining unit is not slated for raises next fiscal year,but they are willing to talk with city officials about money-saving strategies such as deferring holiday pay cash-outs. "We don't think that is unreasonable,"Correa said."We are committed to working with the mayor to get past this economic downturn." That said.Correa said he expects some payback from the city when the economy improves, http://www.fresnobee.com/local/v-print/story/I458540.html 6/9/2009 Printable Version Pagel of 3 Lodi, Galt unions have made a variety of concessions By Maggie Creamer and Jennifer Bonnett News-Sentinel Staff Writers The following is a look at what employee unions in the city of Lodi,Lodi Unified School District and Galt Joint Union High School District have given up in concessions. In the city of Galt, only the department heads have modified their contracts. The group agreed to not receive a scheduled cost-of-living increase this year. The Galt Police Officers Association and the Galt Public Service Unit have not been asked to make any concessions. In Lodi, all the unions have agreed to concessions. City of Lodi employees Lodi Professional Firefighters Number of employees: 54 What are the concessions? • Eliminate the city's match to employee retirement accounts. • Vacation cannot be cashed out. Lodi Fire Mid-Management Number of employees: 6 What are the concessions? • A reduction of 41 hours through a combination of furloughs and decrease to the city's match to employee retirement accounts. Total given up by employees in the fire department: $373,000 Lodi Police Officers Association Number of employees: 54 What are the concessions? • 48 hours or six days of furloughs. • Any overtime from July 1, 2009, through June 30,2010, will not be cashed out, but instead put into a time-off bank. They will also work to eliminate all overtime expenditures to avoid additional mid-year cuts. • Holiday leave hours accrued between Jan. 1, 2009, and Dec. 31,2009, must be used by Oct. 31,2010, and cannot be banked or cashed out. Lodi Police Dispatchers Association Number of employees: 22 What are the concessions? • 58 hours or 7.25 days of furloughs • Eliminate overtime expenditures to avoid mid-year budget cuts. • Holiday leave hours from Jan. 1, 2009,through Dec. 31, 2009, must be used by Oct. 31, 2010. Police Mid-Management Number of employees: 52 What are the concessions? • 108 hours or 13.5 days of furloughs. The hours can replace sick days. h ttp://www.lodinews.com/articles/2009/06/12/news/3_unions_090612.prt 6/12/2009 Printable Version Page 2 of 3 • Any overtime from July 1, 2009, through June 30, 2010, will not be cashed out instead put into a time off bank. They will also work to eliminate all overtime expenditures to avoid additional mid-year cuts. • Holiday leave hours from Jan. 1, 2009, through Dec. 31, 2009, must be used by October 31,2010, and cannot be banked or cashed out. Total given up by employees in the police department: $680,900 International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Number of employees: 29 What are the concessions? • Four-hour furloughs each month from January 2010 through December 2010. • Extend the current contract through Dec. 31, 2013. • Reduce the current Consumer Price Index wage increase at 2 percent to 5.5 percent starting January 1, 2010. • Extend the wage increase at 2 percent to 5.5 percent into 2011, 2012, and 2013. Amount saved: $125,600 Unrepresented confidential employees and executive management Number of employees: 10 in executive management, including City Manager Blair King, and 5 in confidential • Eliminate the city's match to employee retirement accounts. • Once-a-month furloughs, for a total of 12. Amount saved: $95,300 Lodi City Mid-Management Association Number of employees: 52 • Eliminate the city's match to employee retirement accounts. • Once-a-month furloughs, for a total of 12. Amount saved: $166,100 Maintenance and Operators Number of employees: 90 What are the concessions? . Eight days of furloughs. (Because the union did not give up more concessions, two maintenance workers will be laid off). Amount saved: $396,200 General Services Number of employees: 93 What are the concessions? • Once-a-month furloughs, for a total of 12. • Eliminate the city's match to employee retirement accounts. Amount saved: $343,000 Lodi Unified School District http://www.lodinews.com/articles/2009/06/12/news/3_uni ons_090612.prt 6/12/2009 Printable Version Page 3 of 3 Lodi Pupil Personnel Association, certified support staff including counselors Number of employees: 140 The union contract is open until June 30. Lodi Education Association Number of employees: 1,550 What are the concessions? . The equivalent of 160 full-time equivalent positions have been eliminated by the school board since February. California School Employees Association Number of employees: 900 What are the concessions? . 279 fulland part-time classified employees have been eliminated by the school board since February. (That number may be reduced by four.) Galt Joint Union High School District Galt Federation of Classified and Certificated Employees Number of employees: 126 Superintendent Tom Gemma said that because the district has not settled either union contract for the 2008-09 school year, it would not be proper to identify any concessions at this time. Contact reporters Maggie Creamer at inagg ec 164*ws.,cQin or JefMi er Bonnett at 'ertni erb lodinews.com — — -- _ httP://www.lodinews.com/articles/2009/06/12/news/3_unions_090612.prt 6/12/2009 County supervisors authorize layoffs -Bakersfield.com Pagel of 2 Bakersfield.com: Kern County news, events, classifieds, shoppin,a, & search Local News County supervisors authorize layoffs BY STEVEN MAYER,Californian staff writer _smayer(a bakersfield.com I Tuesday,Jun 09 2009 02:11 PM Last Updated Tuesday,Jun 09 2009 05:28 PM No one wanted to do it. Certainly no one relished their role as economic executioner. But on Tuesday,the Kern County Board of Supervisors got busy approving the layoffs of dozens of public employees in a desperate attempt to balance the county's budget. The atmosphere was anything but festive as supervisors and visitors alike realized that Tuesday's layoffs were just the beginning of a grim process that could result in hundreds of out-of-work public servants. The first department on the chopping block was the county tax assessor's office--and for a while, the process seemed to be moving in the opposite direction as Assessor Jim Fitch warned that county revenues could be reduced by$12 million next year if he didn't have enough appraisers on staff. "I don't like to think I'm a revenue generator," Fitch told the board. "But I am. "These are real people.These are real lives,"he said of the employees. "It hurts. I stay up at night thinking about what's going to take place." For an hour or so,it looked like supervisors might postpone their decision. There was even some talk about bumping Fitch's budget to allow him to hire more appraisers. "If there was any time to use the fiscal reserves, this is it," Supervisor Don Maben said at one point.After all,losing millions in county revenues as a result of layoffs would defeat the purpose,he and others seemed to be saying. But finally, supervisors decided they needed to approve the staff-recommended layoffs,while keeping their options open about hiring additional appraisers. "I think we need to suck it up and say we meant what we said," Supervisor Jon McQuiston argued. "We need to move forward with the recommendations staff has made." By noon, supervisors had approved six layoffs in the assessor's office, not counting several positions that have been unfunded and vacant for months. But the effective date of the layoffs was pushed back to late July or early August to give administrators additional time to refine their strategy. http://www.bakersfeld.com/news/local/x820007718/Supervisors-authorize-layoffs 6/10/2009 County supervisors authorize layoffs-Bakersfield.com Page 2 of 2 Parks and Recreation Director Bob Lerude was next up--and the process went much more quickly. Then later in the afternoon,the county Office of General Services was on the chopping block.Assistant County Administrative Officer Jeff Frapwell listed several cost-cutting measures that have already been implemented,including fuel savings,cell phone cuts and 10 layoffs earlier in the fiscal year. By the end of the day, 18 General Services positions were eliminated and 12 employees were slated for layoffs early next month. Nine employees were subtracted from Park and Recreation's already depleted roster.The nine don't include 35 extra-help positions that will not be hired for the busy summer season. Park users can count on seeing dirtier restrooms,trash picked up in parks less often and some recreation halls being closed,Lerude said. "This will impact parks," Lerude said,adding that he hopes community volunteers will step in to help with park maintenance and graffiti removal. When asked about the human impact,his voice grew somber and quiet. "Very difficult," he said. Open Calais http://www.bakersfield.com/news/local/x820007718/Supervisors-authorize-layoffs 6/10/2009 The Modesto Bee I Modesto mayor rips police stance on pay proposals Page 1 of 2 e Modesto Bee Print This Article modbee.com Posted on Tue,Jun. 09, 2009 Modesto mayor rips police stance on pay proposals By Adam Ashton aashton_@modbee.com last updated:June 09,2009 07:21:39 AM Mayor Jim Ridenour on Monday bluntly countered claims by Modesto's police union that he intends to lay off officers. "I am not laying off cops,"he said. "The(Modesto Police Officers Association) is laying off cops." His remarks drew a line between his bid to close a$4.8 million budget shortfall with furloughs and deferred raises and the MPOA's stance that its members are underpaid and deserve better job protection. The MPOA on Friday rejected Ridenour's request to postpone the 3 percent raise it's getting this month and the 2 percent raise its members are scheduled to receive in February. Delaying the raises would save$820,000,which is roughly equal to the pay and benefits for eight to 12 officers. The MPOA has been distributing a memo that says the council intends to lay off that many cops.It does not mention Ridenour's request to defer raises. MPOA President Ton y Arguelles did not return a call for comment Monday. Ridenour's remarks spelled out that he would follow through on the layoffs _ £ because of the MPOA's decision to keep its contract closed. He believes he's asking less of the MPOA because his request would hold Modesto Mayor Jim Ridenour is seen in his office on the 6th steady police wages whereas other city employees would lose pearl floor of 10th Street Place Wednesday,October 3,2007.(Brian of their salaries through furloughs. y 5 p ercent Ramsaylfhe Modesto Bee)-Modesto Bee-Brian Ramsay The MPOA reached a contract with the city in December calling for io percent raises over a little more than two years. A city salary survey showed that MPOA members were paid an average of 17 percent less than their counterparts at a dozen similar organizations.The MPOA agreed to wait on the raises for close to a year to save the city some budget pain. "They feel they've already given something,"Councilman Garrad Marsh said. "There's two sides to the story.Do I think they still need to be part of the team?Yes,I do." The union wants a guarantee that its 202 members will be safe from layoffs if it accepts Ridenour's proposed concessions. It has indicated to the city that it's willing to open its contract to consider postponing the raises if the city gives police officers an extra Zoo hours of paid vacation valued at$1.6 million or by giving the union a 17 percent raise in March. Ridenour found those requests unacceptable. "With our citizens struggling and suffering in these dire economic times,it is unthinkable that the MPOA would not onl refuse to postpone their salary increases,they would request increases to their compensation packages,"he wrote in a y statement to The Bee. The council is unlikely to make deeper cuts in other departments because of the MPOA's rejection of Ridenor's proposal. "If there's a group that doesn't want to participate in(furloughs or similar salary givebacks),I'm not going to penalize other groups that have agreed to take a furlough,"Marsh said. Bee staff writer Adam Ashton can be reached at a_asht_on_[.modbee.com or 578-2366. http://Www.modbee-com/featured/v-print/story/736445.html 6/9i2nne Editorial: City should stay firm with union - Sacramento Opinion - Sacramento Editorial I Sacramento B... Pagel of 2 This story is taken from Sacbee / Opinion Editorial : City should stay firm with union Published Tuesday, Jun. 09, 2009 Just days after rank and file firefighters overwhelmingly rejected a deal that would have frozen their salaries for a year to save $5 million and avert 50 firefighter layoffs, Sacramento city's firefighter union has put forth yet another dubious contract offer to city negotiators. Local 522, the union that represents city firefighters, says it will agree to freeze firefighters' pay for 30 months if the city agrees not to lay off any firefighters or close any fire stations and promises to keep wasteful four-to-a-crew fire staffing rules in place. The city should reject this proposal. The city of Sacramento must negotiate labor contracts based on what is best for public safety and what the city can afford, not to placate politically powerful unions whose primary interest appears to be keeping union membership dues flowing. Sacramento city negotiators had offered city firefighters a deal that almost exactly mirrored the deal that city police approved weeks ago. In return for freezing salaries for one year, police were offered pay raises of 1 percent in 2011, 2 percent in 2012 and 3 1/2 percent in 2013. In addition, senior officers, soon to be retiring, were allowed to take furloughs instead of giving up raises. By taking furloughs, they would be able to retain their higher salary rates, and their pensions would not be adversely affected by the deferred pay raises. Union leaders negotiating the contract for the firefighters rejected that generous agreement, approving a tentative pact that gave firefighters a 3 percent raise over two years instead. But rank and file firefighters rejected the agreement their union leaders negotiated. Many of those who voted no told The Bee they wanted the deal the police officers got, which their union negotiators foolishly rejected. Now the union is back with another questionable deal, one that fails to protect public safety or the public's purse. In this time of fiscal crisis, with their own members facing layoffs, union leaders are gambling that desperate city leaders won't challenge them. In exchange for a 2 1/2-year pay freeze, the union wants the city to give up important management prerogatives and the authority to make cost-effective staffing decisions. It's time for city leaders to stand up to the unions in favor of the public. Given the economic crisis that all levels of government face, most state employees, county and other city workers are being asked to take one or two furlough days per month or a straight cut in salary. Private sector workers have had to absorb hefty pay and benefit cuts and layoffs. The city of Sacramento has asked its firefighters merely to delay a raise for a year, hardly a major sacrifice. Yet they have told the city "no." Cities, counties and the state are in fiscal meltdown. Things are likely to get worse before they get better. Everyone on a government payroll, firefighters included, should be prepared to take a financial hit just as workers who don't work for government have been forced to do. As for the city, if there is anything its leaders should have learned from the past few years, it is that long- http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/v-print/story/1930137.htmi 6/9/2009 Editorial: City should stay firm with union- Sacramento Opinion - Sacramento Editorial � Sacramento B... Page 2 of 2 E Y term obligations tying the hands of elected officials and city managers are unwise. In all likelihood, the city is going to need the flexibility the firefighters union is seeking to take away. City negotiators, and the City Council, should stand firm. ShareThis 6/9/2009 .. _„_______ ..,.,.,l-o ,.--/nn;n;on/v-nrint/story/1930137.html The Modesto Bee I Turlock lays off nearly two dozen as it balances its books Page 1 of 1 I%e Modesto Bw Print This Article modbee,com Posted on Tue,Jun.09, 2009 Turlock lays off nearly two dozen as it balances its books By Merrill Ba/assonemba/assone@modbee.com last updated:June 10,2009 01:20:18 AM TURLOCK—Former Mayor Curt Andre once recalled vomiting in the parking lot after he was forced to lay off six staff members in 1992• Tuesday night,the City Council laid off 23 full-and part-time employees,the largest number of city layoffs in at least 20 years.The council also eliminated 39 positions as it approved a spending plan for the budget year that starts July 1. "It's heartbreaking,"Councilman Kurt Spycher said. Arts Facilitator Lisa McDermott,the Arts Commission's one full-time worker,was among those laid off. She helped coordinate city gallery exhibitions and children's art programs.Council members Amy Bublak,Spycher and Ted Howze rejected a proposal to find a third party to fund the position. "Cutting all the funding doesn't mean you cut out the desire of people in this community who want arts programs to continue,"McDermott told the council. This is yet another slap to the young people in this community,"said Councilwoman Mary Jackson said,who with Mayor John Lazar voted against the move. The council closed a$5.1 million deficit for its 2009-10 budget.But the council may have to consider as much as$1 million in more cuts in the coming months. Council members did reach a consensus against turning off every other streetlight in some areas.Howze said it would have disproportionately affected the city's older neighborhoods. Council members also voted to make more cuts to the department that repairs city vehicles,which would mean a loss of more part-time workers. The building department took the biggest hit,with eight employees losing their jobs.Chief Building Official Mark Ellis was among them. Jackson said she worried the deep cuts to the building department will delay the building process and give Turlock a "terrible reputation"in the region. She was the sole vote against the building and safety division cuts. The city balanced its books for the most part by spending$2.6 million of its$14 million general fund reserve next year. That's an exceptionally robust reserve,about 44 percent of its $32 million general fund budget. The budget cuts included a proposal to postpone merit pay increases,which would require union approval.That would save$301,000. In February,city employees agreed to kick in 5 percent of pre-tax salaries toward health care or pensions. That saved more than$1 million among the 370 full-time Turlock employees.Without it,the deficit would have climbed to more than$6 million. Bee staff writer Merrill Balassone can be reached at mbalassonenmodbee com or 578-2337• This article is protected by copyright and should not be printed or distributed for anything except personal use. Copyright©2009,The Modesto Bee, 1325 H St.,Modesto,CA 95354 Phone:(209)578-2000. httP://www.modbee.com/breakingnews/v-print/story/737886.html 6/10/2009 The Modesto Bee I Turlock layoff vote tonight Page 1 of 1 Uie Modesto Pow Print This Article modbee.Com Posted on Tue,Jun.09, 2009 Turlock layoff vote tonight By Merrill Balassone mbalassone@modbe_e com last updated:June 09,2009 12:14:09 AM TURLOCK--The City Council will consider slashing more than$5 million and laying off 21 city employees tonight. Among the hardest hit would be building department workers,nine of whom would lose their jobs if the package of budget cuts for 2009-10 is approved. Development Services Director Mike Pitcock said the loss of nearly 20,000 work hours in the building department will mean longer waits in City Hall and recorded messages rather than a live person on the phone. The city expects to collect about$27.7 million for its general fund over the next year-- $2.5 million less than it budgeted last year. Among possible cuts to be debated tonight,and their dollar values: • Shutting off half the streetlights on the west side and in older Turlock neighborhoods: $165,000 •Eliminate city support for an arts facilitator,the Arts Commission's full-time staffer: $92,100 •Postponing merit pay increases,which would require union approval: $301,000 The city plans to cut the deficit in half by using general fund reserves. Earlier this year,city groups agreed to put 5 percent of their salaries toward their health care costs and pensions. Without it,the city would be facing a$6 million shortfall. The council also is scheduled to talk about concerns that closed-session discussions about the hiring of new City Manager Roy Wasden may have been leaked to the public by a council member.Mayor John Lazar,who asked that the item be put on the agenda,said Monday that he conducted his own investigation and found"no justification for the concern." The City Council will meet at 7 p.m.at City Hall, 156 S. Broadway. Bee staff writer Merrill Balassone can be reached at mbalassone(a�modbee.com or 578-2337• This article is protected by copyright and should not be printed or distributed for anything except personal use. Copyright©2009,The Modesto Bee, 1325 H St.,Modesto,CA 95354 Phone:(209)578-2000. http://Www.modbee-com/local/v-print/story/736444.html 6/9/2009