CCMIN100411 - Laserfiche WebLink

14. Public Comment Fred Norman said last month marked the 5'" anniversary of him appearing before the City Council to ask for help in ending the wars in in Iraq and Afghanistan, reported that 4,000 Americans have died and he asked that the Council try to do something to end the wars and save lives. Kathy Dowding read the names of 61 American men and women who have died in the last 4 to 6 weeks who join the other 6,300 soldiers in total who have lost their lives. Brian Atkins asked if a Wal-Mart store will be built on Santa Rita Road. Mayor Hosterman explained that the process is not currently going through the City's Planning Department and she directed interested individuals to the City's website and last Council video streaming at which time staff thoroughly explained the process. Angela Willmes asked that the Council take action to adopt a conditional use permit process for new grocery stores in town. Teresa Wu, former Castlewood employee, provided an update on news of their case, stating that the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has issued a complaint against Castlewood. Castlewood has the option of settling the case by bringing employees back to work, but they will not and will go before the judge and be required to pay employees back wages. Sarah Norr, Local 2850 representing Castlewood employees, said the complaint issued by NLRB has indicated that the lockout has been unlawful since last August when the club began making proposals that would allow them to essentially replace long-time workers with other newer and possible non-union workers. The hearing will be held November 16, 2011 in Oakland where an Administrative Law Judge will make a ruling. They are pleased with the news but she felt it is not an automatic solution to the problem, given the right to appeal. She urged the Council to encourage the club to work out a solution. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND OTHER MATTERS 15. Introduction of upcoming labor negotiations with the International Association of Firefighters, Local 1974 (IAFF) and receive public input Assistant City Manager Yuan-Miu stated the International Association of Firefighters' (IAFF) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) expires December 31, 2011 and as done in August with the Police Officers Association, staff is introducing this topic to initiate the negotiations process. She noted one significant difference between negotiations with IAFF and other unions is that the Livermore- Pleasanton Fire Department (LPFD) serves two cities. Once a tentative agreement is made, both City Councils will approve the document. Ms. Yuan-Miu noted that the IFF covers a number of classifications for a total of 106 personnel. The process includes meet and confer activities, discussion and establishment of the term of agreement, wages and benefits, and operational issues. At the August 16, 2011 meeting the City Council adopted the League of California Cities Pension Reform document supplemented with 3 local benchmarks: 1) to eliminate the negative amortization inherent in the annual PERS rate; 2) to reduce the City pension and OPEB (Other Post Employment Benefit) unfunded liability by a minimum of 10%; and 3) to reduce the ratio of personnel costs in the budget to 70%. In addition, the Council's goal is to return to pre-2001 retirement formula in place of the formulas outlined in the League's paper. Ms. Yuan-Miu introduced John Bartel and provided a brief background of his experience and work in City actuarial services and pensions. City Council Minutes Page 3 of 5 October 4, 2011