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Operations Service Center last year enabled a new management team to focus that evaluation further. He stressed that the eliminations do not reflect a lack of interest in water quality improvement, but rather the effects of project consolidation. Mayor Hosterman requested clarification on the budgeted bi- annual water quality improvement projects. Mr. Bocian explained those are chlorination projects and tank improvements that have been reduced as staff has been able to make improvements for less than the projected amount. Mayor Hosterman questioned and confirmed with Mr. Bocian that the cuts refer more to the budget than projects and they are, in fact, still moving forward. Councilmember McGovern asked if the California First Solar Energy Financing Program is up and running. Mr. Fialho said the plan was to have it operational by July 1S but it has unfortunately been delayed a bit. He noted it is a county -wide program that is outside of the City's control and said implementation is now projected to occur sometime in the fall. Councilmember McGovern referred to the Cemetery Operations Fund and asked if it is still anticipated that plot sales will begin this summer. Mr. Fialho confirmed. He noted the Parks and Recreation Commission has an item on its agenda to finalize the rates for those plots. As soon as that action is taken, staff will begin the outreach process to sell the plots. Councilmember McGovern said it looks as though reserves total approximately $22 million. Mr. Fialho detailed the funds, stating there is approximately $21.5 million in discretionary reserves. There are other reserves related to the replacement plan and benefits that are dedicated and restricted by Council policy. Councilmember McGovern said the discretionary reserves are what will tide the City over in the event of any continued or new economic insult. She recommended the impacts of the Fire Department staffing changes be closely monitored, particularly as they directly affect Pleasanton. Councilmember Cook- Kallio said she is often asked about the budget and how the City is faring, to which she always emphasizes the amount of staff time that goes into ensuring the budget is balanced. She particularly appreciates the fact that the City does not spend money it does not yet have and attributed its solvency in this time of economic crisis to that policy. She said it is also very important for the public to understand that to be down thirty, full -time equivalent positions, with very little change in perceived amenities, speaks very well of Pleasanton employees. Councilmember Thorne said when he speaks with elected officials from other cities, it becomes abundantly clear that Pleasanton is a very well- managed City. He cautioned against wasting a good recession and encouraged staff to continue evaluating the work that is done to ensure it is the best possible process. He said there is sometimes a tendency to combine staff without yet knowing what to do with that. He said that in coming from the private sector, he had a very strong opinion about the way financial matters should be managed when he first came on the Council, and Mr. Culver's working knowledge of both the public and private sector helped ease that transition. Councilmember McGovern said she and Councilmember Thorne worked with Emily Wagner on a Finance Committee and Ms. Wagner gave them a better understanding of some of the City's fees. She said there is a broad support base in this City, particularly in the financial areas. City Council Minutes Page 8 of 11 June 15, 2010