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Mayor Thorne said it is no secret that the plight of veterans is a cause very near and dear to his heart. The Sentinels of Freedom Scholarship Fund, which has its roots in the Tri-Valley, is a very rewarding program. Founder Mike Conklin created the four year scholarship program to assist wounded warriors in their re-entry to society, and it was those efforts that brought Jay Wilkerson to the City of Pleasanton in 2009. Jay suffered severe head and hand injuries when his Humvee was struck by two rocket propelled grenades in 2009, after which he spent 39 days in a coma and another 2 years in a trauma recovery center. The Sentinels of Freedom program accompanied Jay on his first steps back into civilian life. Jay then worked as an intern for the City of Pleasanton, ultimately becoming a paid and very valued member of the Operations Services Center team, and has made considerable progress in completing his academic career through Los Positas College. Jay, who is returning to the east coast to be near family, is an inspiration to all and will truly be missed. Tom Daggett, Sentinels of Freedom, said the organization provides a road map from injury to wellness and from military to civilian life and Jay exemplifies the program's success. He thanked Mr. Fialho, Veterans First, City staff, and all the Pleasanton military families who have supported both the Sentinels and Jay. Jay Wilkerson extended special thanks to Mayor Thorne, who has been a real mentor to him. He also thanked Mr. Fialho who opened many doors for him and all of his supporters. Mr. Smith said Jay has exceeded all expectations since joining the City in 2009. He has touched all of those who worked with him and become a truly beloved member of the Pleasanton family. He thanked Jay for his service to Pleasanton and his service to the Country. 12. Public Comment - None PUBLIC HEARINGS AND OTHER MATTERS 13. Pulled from the agenda —Approve a contract with the Bay Area Children's Theatre in the amount of $109,100 for the Children's theatrical production services 14. Introduction of negotiations with AFSCME/PCEA (Pleasanton City Employees' Association) Assistant City Manager Julie Yuan-Miu introduced the item, stating that the current Memorandum of Understanding for PCEA covers the period from November 1, 2012 to March 31, 2013. The PCEA is the City's largest bargaining unit, comprised of approximately 220 employees in non-management and non-public safety positions. The purpose of tonight's hearing is to hold Council and public discussion on the matter so that the negotiating parties may meet and confer in good faith on the items covered within the scope of representation (term, wage adjustments, benefits and operational issues). She noted that PCEA currently has two retirement programs, Tier One for current employees (2.7%, highest year earnings at age 55) and Tier Two for employees new to the CaIPERS system (2.5%, average of the highest 3 years earnings at age 67). John Bartel, City Actuary, discussed the background terminology detailed in his report and provided a PowerPoint presentation. Councilmember Brown asked and Mr. Bartel confirmed that all 220 PCEA employees fall under Tier One and that with no benefit cap, someone could theoretically earn more in retirement than they did while working. Mr. Bartel added that the CaIPERS statute prohibits a benefit cap for non-safety personnel; however safety personnel are subject to a 90% cap. Mayor Thorne requested clarification on the three highest years' earnings which he had thought was calculated on the last three years of employment. City Council Minutes Page 3 of 11 February 19, 2013