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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. Councilmember Thorne said contract must be fair to employees and he re-emphasized that employees maintain an extremely high level of performance and performance standards during down-turns in the economy. He believes their willingness to go along with them demonstrates a level of dedication. The contract also moves them towards being fair to the current and future taxpayers and it has to move them towards making sure they can provide a sustained, secure and defined benefit programs not only for their police officers but employees as well. He thanked all employees for their willingness to work with the City, for their dedication, and for their commitment to the community. Councilmember Sullivan supported the motion and thanked the PPOA for working with the City, as well as staff and the larger community. Councilmember McGovern said she thinks the negotiation process was done very well and should continue into the future. She was glad the Council held a session in August to discuss introduction of City Council Minutes Page 23 of 25 February 7,2012