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Ryan Tujague, Pleasanton Police Officer, expressed his support for the contract tonight. Gaining approval from members for paying what will amount to 9% of each officer's full pension obligation was no easy feat. Each officer will sacrifice $1,000 a month or more to pay for added pension payments. Officers have agreed because it will save $2.4 million and keep important services from being cut. Officers do this not because a handful of Tea Party extremists demand change, but support it because they care about Pleasanton and citizens of the City. He thanked the Council for working with them on the contract and for taking his views and those of the department. Mark Gwin, Pleasanton Police Officer, said all officers are unified in speaking with one voice to show the Council not just in words but in actions as to how much they care about the community. The new contract will save the City $2.4 million, keeping essential City services intact for residents, and one that is a sacrifice of all officers and their families and one they are willing to make for the community. Tim Martens, Pleasanton Police Officer and 22 year resident, said even though the City is financially sound, police officers support the contract before the Council. It is a sound contract that will save $2.4 million and prevent City services from being cut. If the contract is approved, each of the City's 73 officers will be contributing $1,000 or more each month into pensions which will affect every officer and their families. They have made this decision to give back because it was right and not because they were threatened into doing so by the few Tea Party extremists who stand and preach the end of government. As a long term resident, radical nay-sayers do not represent even a few who live in the community. The 73 officers have agreed to the contract because they love Pleasanton and care about its future. As public safety officers, they do not want to see cuts in services and he thanked the Council for being able to express his support for the contract. Karen DeBaca Martens thanked the City for working together with police and with citizens to arrive at a contract; however, it is not exactly balanced—the police department are the only ones paying $1,000 a month out of their pocket. Her husband wanted to make sure she shared that this is a sacrifice on the part of the department and that he understands it must be a heavy burden for the Council to approve. They trust the Council and City staff is doing a good job with handling the finances of the City and must trust and rely on surpluses they have. She does not support people who have said they are on the verge of bankruptcy which is an exaggeration. She is proud to be a citizen, proud to have the City Council it has and most proud of the dedication of the Police Department. Dave Batoy, President, Pleasanton Police Officers Association, said he is also active in local youth athletics in the community and spoke on behalf of the 73 officers who keep neighborhoods safe. They support the contract even though it will financially impact each and every one of their officers. The contract is the result of months of hard work and negotiations between the City and the PPOA. While not the optimum contract for officers, these are not the most optimum times. The sacrifices officers are making by supporting the contract are not insignificant. It changes all future employees retirement formula to 3% at 55, significantly alters retiree health care benefits, in addition to requiring each officer to pay the full 9% of its pensions. For most, the new contract will require them to contribute about $1,000 or more each month for their pensions. They support the reform proposal not because they are being pressured by a group of radical Tea Party extremists, but because they care about the community and do not want to see a reduction in services to residents. Approving the contract will save the City $2.4 million and they appreciate the work and time to listen to their views. Mayor Hosterman closed public comment. Vice Mayor Cook-Kallio thanked police officers for their commitment and service to the community, thanked staff for their hard work and facilitation of the matter. MOTION: It was m/s by Cook-Kallio/Thorne to approve the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Pleasanton and the Pleasanton Police Officers Association for the term June 1, 2011 through May 31, 2014. City Council Minutes Page 23 of 26 February 7,2012