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Kathy Benn advised her intention was to get Gyphon into Pleasanton Library programming so children can read to him and commended the work of the Valley Humane Society (VHS) and thanked the City Council. VHS President Melanie Sadek thanked the Council for recognizing the value of animals and their role in improving the lives of community members. 22. Presentation of a Proclamation recognizing April 18-24, 2022 as National Crime Victims' Rights Week Councilmember Narum presented the proclamation. Alameda County District Attorney's Office Senior Crime Victim Witness Advocate Nicole Santos thanked the City for recognizing Crime Victims' Rights Week. 23. Public Comment regarding items not listed on the agenda — Speakers are limited to 3 minutes. Douglas Miller offered a tribute to former Mayor Thorne for both his military service and civic responsibility. He noted former Mayor Thorne's extensive work with the City's veterans and his work on helping create a veterans' memorial at Pioneer Cemetery. Michael Duggan expressed concerns as a parent about the safety of his children due to staffing deficiencies in the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department (LPFD). He noted the LPFD has been working for 100 days without a contract. He reported that LPFD paramedics earn significantly below- average pay. He called for the City Council to work towards securing a new contract. George Withers, former Pleasanton Fire Chief, expressed concerns about the current state of LPFD contract negotiations. He commended the LPFD's preventative work with inspections, code enforcement, public education, and firefighter training. He explained the Fire Code mandates inspection schedules but not the fee schedule. He noted the rates on the fee schedule have increased 5% annually since their 2015 adoption. Carrie Oldes, Meals on Wheels Program Manager, reported Meals on Wheels will be holding its first in- person live fundraiser at a May 7 wine tasting event. She encouraged residents to go to the Spectrum Community Services website for tickets and information on how to volunteer for Meals on Wheels. Patricia Joki expressed her condolences to Mayor Brown on her loss. She expressed the Master Gardeners' gratitude for use of the Senior Center for their 2022 plant sale. She thanked the City for the progress on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Bernal Family Farm. Kevin Cantrell called for a fair agreement with the LPFD. He advised paramedic pay is too low and encouraged the LPFD to add more staff with paramedic training in the event of an emergency. He noted the LPFD is losing staff due to the lack of a contract. Joe McThorn, LPFD Local 1974 President, requested a fair contract for the City's firefighters who have been working for 109 days without a contract. He asked for equal treatment and a contract like those given to other Pleasanton labor groups. He expressed hopes for a fresh start with the new City staff. He encouraged reconsideration of Item 13. He asked the City Council to help the LPFD resolve its issues. Mayor Brown advised Item 13 was pulled from the agenda. Rajesh Rathod of Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan (BAPS) Charities extended his condolences to Mayor Brown. He reported last year's BAPS Walk-a-thon was dedicated to fundraising for the fight against breast cancer. He invited residents to the 2022 Walk-a-thon on April 30 in Fremont. City Council Minutes Page 4 of 15 April 19, 2022