Proclamations
On behalf of the city of Benicia, Mayor Patterson presented Fire Chief Jim Lydon with a proclamation declaring the week of May 15 to 21 as Emergency Medical Services Week. Lydon noted that many agencies are involved in providing these services, including ambulance, police and fire, and just as importantly, individual citizens. The chief took the opportunity to encourage residents of Benicia to consider signing up for one of the emergency services training programs available through the Benicia Fire Department (BFD).
The Chief also recognized Engineer William “Billy” Steiner for receiving the 2016 Frank Springer Award, designed to recognize an individual for his or her outstanding commitment and contributions to improving emergency medical services for the people living in Solano County.
For information about emergency services training programs and classes,contact BFD Administrative Secretary Stacy Hatfield at 746-4275 between the hours of 9 a.m. to noon or 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The mayor also presented a proclamation to Teresa Castanares, chairwoman of the Philippine Cultural Committee, declaring June, 2016 as Philippine Cultural Month and encouraging residents to visit the 2016 Pista Sa Nayon Festival on the Vallejo Waterfront Saturday, June 4. Castanares also urged the public to attend the free festival, which runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and features traditional Filipino foods, displays and “colorful entertainment.”
The final proclamation Tuesday was to declare the week of May 15 to 21 as Public Works Week, in conjunction with the national observance of the same name. Upon receipt of the paper proclamation, Public Works Director Graham Wadsworth took the opportunity to present a Power Point-assisted overview of the department’s function and importance to the community.

Public Comment
During the public comment portion of the meeting, two residents spoke regarding recent increases in the cost for seniors of attending fitness classes through the Benicia Senior Center. Whereas the cost to attend three classes, for example, was $24 per person before the change, the new charges would amount to $117 for a senior to continue to attend the same three classes for the same time period.
Council asked Parks and Community Services Director Mike Dotson to address the issue with the residents. Dotson noted that the costs originate with the instructors, who initially offered the classes at an introductory rate to gauge interest. He also stated that he was confident that the city might be able to re-negotiate and make it more affordable specifically for seniors wishing to attend more than one class. Dotson agreed to keep the council apprised.

Measure C
Among regular business items on the council’s agenda Tuesday was a request to designate a reserve and contingency for excess Measure C funds from 2015; that is, funds that have not yet been designated for specific projects, due to the income generated from the measure exceeding anticipated levels.
The council adopted the proposed resolution designating the funds from the initial quarter, April through June, 2015. In addition, Economic Development Manager Mario Giuliani presented the council with a report of Measure C past, current and anticipated expenditures. The council noted that additional policy needed to be drafted in order to allocate any unanticipated funds from Measure C, in the interest of expedience and transparency to the community.

AMPORTS
The Council conducted a re-hearing of the proposed lease option agreement with Benicia Oak Road Investors, LLC (BOR) for city-controlled ground lease parcels at 1 Oak Road, per the request of AMPORTS legal counsel. It was determined that the parties had 15 years to agree on a road maintenance issue, which appeared to be the main point of contention, before the current lease expires, and that such an agreement was in progress and apparently nearing completion. The council voted to re-approve the agreement, with a minor change to the language in one section.

ABAG and MTC
Councilmember Alan Schwartzman presented the Finance Committee report on the potential merger of the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC). He reported that the parties are currently considering seven options, with particular attention to two of them. He suggested that the council should decide which option it wishes to support in its ongoing attention to the merger, which stands to significantly impact the body’s decision making process.
A complete copy of the agenda from this and all city council meetings is available at the city of Benicia website at ci.benicia.ca.us. Copies may also be requested in person at the city manager’s office located at 250 East L St. or by calling 746-4210.

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