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15. Public Comment Fred Norman discussed the meaning of defending and supporting the United States Constitution. He said well over 500 American men and women have died in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan this year. He hoped that someday the Council would join together in efforts to stop these wars and wished everyone a thoughtful Christmas. David Miller expressed concerr over the fiscal situation at all levels of government. He is glad to hear the Mayor making the budget and entitlements a priority. Karla Brown congratulated the election winners. She agreed that fiscal health is a critical issue for the community and looks forward to being an active participant in ensuring that the public process stays on track. She quoted a recent article regarding pension reform and said Governor Schwarzenegger's actions to roll back retirement benefits to 1999 levels for new workers should be considered for Pleasanton. As part of the election campaign, Councilmember McGovern shared an understanding of the great need and urgency for changes in pensions. She pushed for employees to cover 100% of their employment benefits, stating it is what is needed for a fiscally stable community. Bart Hughes said it is unfortunate this platform has been used to make disparaging comments against city employees. He said he values the quality of this community, of which the employees are a significant part. He expressed frustration with the City's attempt to solve the issues associated with post retirement benefits, and thinks Pleasanton residents have paid a huge price for it. He urged the Council to consider those sacrifices and to publish the details of the general employee contract negotiation prior to December 31, 2010. The coming CaIPERS increase is 3.8 %, which represents a 28% cost increase for the City. He asked the Council to consider whether the terms of the contract strike the appropriate balance between needed public servants and those who foot the bill. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND OTHER MATTERS 16. Presentation from LAVTA regarding the new Bus Rapid Transit Service Traffic Engineer Mike Tassano introduced Jeff Flynn, LAVTA Planning Director. Mr. Flynn stated LAVTA would launch the Tri- Valley Rapid on January 24, 2011.. Bus rapid transit is a new mode of transportation involving bus signal priority (enables green lights to be held for buses), more frequent bus service, improved stops with real time arrival signage, and specially branded hybrid low -floor buses. Increased service will run every ten minutes during peak commute and every 15 minutes during off-peak hours. 17. Adopt a resolution accepting the 2009 -10 Year -end Financial Report for the Operating Budget and amending the Fiscal Year 2009 -10 Operating Budget City Manager Fialho introduced the item, which represents the City's financial performance in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2010. He said Pleasanton remains an AA+ rated agency, one of only a couple within the county. While much was said today and will be said in the coming months on pension reform, this report in no way reflects that sort of long -term liability. Finance Director Emily Wagner stated the City ended the 2009 -10 fiscal year with General Fund revenues exceeding what was anticipated in the amended budget by $2 million. The increase City Council Minutes Page 4 of 16 December 7, 2010