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contributions from employees and the transition from 3% at 50 to 55 results in substantial <br /> savings through FY 2021-22; <br /> • New retiree medical program benefits for new hires include single party coverage only and end <br /> when the employee becomes Medicare eligible; <br /> • They also worked on a number of other things related to scheduled time off, clarification of shift <br /> and scheduling matters and frequency of performance evaluations; <br /> • Exhibit B reflects the number of agencies which are still at 3% at 50 and the less than 5 which <br /> have migrated to the second tier, Pleasanton being one of them. <br /> Councilmember McGovern said the Council has discussed having a fiscal policy to reduce 10% liability <br /> and she asked if staff will bring something forward to review the savings the City receives from <br /> employees paying their portion of PERS and using this in a positive way to sustain their pensions by <br /> applying it to the unfunded liability. Mr. Fialho asked the Council to be thoughtful in terms of how they <br /> apply this money and suggested it be reviewed during the budget process. Staff's hope is to redirect at <br /> least half of that savings towards the unfunded liability. He said in May, the second year of the two-year <br /> budget will come forward to the Council as an amendment. <br /> Mayor Hosterman invited public comment <br /> David Miller, member of the Tri-Valley Patriots Tea Party, said the Tea Party loves the police and <br /> considers it an outrage that valued City employees are now confronted by the reality of unsustainable <br /> promises made by irresponsible past politicians. The current pension cost structure is unsustainable <br /> and on a path to failure. They must ensure police have a realistic retirement plan without bankrupting <br /> the City. He said it time to demand politicians in Sacramento and locally to stop promising benefits they <br /> cannot realistically guarantee. California's pension system is broken, underfunded, and unsustainable. <br /> Continuing down the path hoping that the markets will recover and CaIPERS enjoying internet bubble <br /> returns indefinitely is insane. He asked for a retirement plan does not cause conflict between city <br /> workers and taxpayers when the stock market goes up and down. He asked to honor all pension <br /> benefits earned by City workers so far, but asked that going forward to discard the defective and un- <br /> repairable CaIPERS pension system and work together on an alternative program that respects <br /> taxpayers and children's futures. <br /> Jan Jones echoed Mr. Miller's points and commended the work that has taken place thus far with <br /> bargaining groups. She thanked staff for negotiating with police and hopes that the process with the fire <br /> bargaining unit will be accomplished. She thinks that they all can work together to get the best solution. <br /> Her concern is that with unfunded liabilities, they are not the only City that potentially could go bankrupt. <br /> She and her husband are trying to maintain their business which contributes to the tax base which pays <br /> for services and she hopes that everyone can hang on and continue to tighten their belts. <br /> Josh Christensen, Pleasanton Police Officer, said these are challenging economic times for residents, <br /> businesses and City government. While the City reserves top above $20 million and the City is not as <br /> bad off as other cities, police officers are realists, they understand the need to cut back and do more <br /> now, and he voiced support of the contract. <br /> Richard Trovao, Pleasanton Police Officer, said all officers work hard and are 100% committed to <br /> protecting citizens of the community. They agree to pay more towards their pensions, saving the City <br /> $2.4 million for the terms of the contract. They care about the community, the City and the future. <br /> Others tonight say these reforms do not go far enough, but as a City not as adversely affected by the <br /> downturn in the economy, with a $20 million reserve, his family will be paying over $1,000 a month if <br /> the contract is approved. He was not sure they could pay more; officers appreciate the work done <br /> negotiating the contract and like the Council, care about citizens. <br /> City Council Minutes Page 22 of 26 February 7, 2012 <br />