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designated for a temporary recession reserve, $5 million designated annually for capital projects, $3 million or two years' worth of debt service is reserved for the golf course, and $3 million in designated carry-over appropriations. Property taxes increased last year by $4 million and other taxes increased by $1.9 million due primarily to an increase in sales tax revenue. Staff anticipates sales and property tax revenue will be lower due to the economy slowing down, except for the hotel tax which is at higher levels due to business travel being strong in the tri- valley area, demand exceeding supply, and room rate increases. The biggest challenge for the City is dealing with retiree medical program and has $40 million set-aside for the benefit. The City's liability was negotiated years ago and best case over a period of 30 years will cost about $70 million and worst case, $120 million. The City will need to do something to reform the benefit with bargaining groups and they will be putting a plan forward based on negotiations with police and all bargaining groups later this year. City Manager Fialho discussed affordable housing efforts; the Regional Triangle Study improvements; the policy statement developed relating to Stoneridge Drive; the Happy Valley area and golf course which has exceeded expectations; processing of the Staples Ranch development, its EIR and park master planning process; the Tri-Valley Health Initiative which is a partnership with the County, Livermore, Dublin and Pleasanton focusing on mental health; the new East Bay Regional Communications Authority; construction of the Alviso Adobe and the Fire House Arts Center; environmental projects such as the climate protection program, the solar program with the City of Livermore, expansion of recycling initiatives for demolition debris, and construction of the Kottinger Creek restoration project; expanded public information programs; and improvements to the City's website. Staff suggests adding 8 additional items to the Work Plan based on prior input from staff and the County which include: 1) the Staples Ranch Community Park Master Planning process; 2) a recommendation from the Planning Commission to update the Fire Sprinkler Ordinance; 3) discussion about embarking on the design and preliminary work associated with Phase II of the Bernal Community Park; 4) implementation of the Downtown Public Arts Master Plan; 5) the development and consideration of a Hillside Preservation Ordinance to protect the hillsides associated with Foothill Road and the southeast hills area; 6) the Alamo Canal Trails extension joint project; 7) updating the Zoning Code to reflect the new General Plan update; and 8) hosting a citywide open house for outreach to the community. Councilmember Thorne voiced concern with the conditions of the decks at the Aquatic Center and asked to include completion of Phase II decking for the center. City Manager Fialho said staff would be planning for upgrades to the locker rooms in the CIP process and can bring a plan to the Council for both items. Mayor Hosterman opened the item for public comment. Michael Callahan thanked the Council and staff for their results-oriented work. Mayor Hosterman closed public comment. Councilmember Sullivan said he was supportive of all 8 new items. He is on a subcommittee of the Economic Vitality Committee and one priority is revamping the Zoning Code with the idea of using form-based codes. Planning Director Iserson said staff has considered this, but they are more focused on revamping and streamlining the commercial and industrial sections of the code. The form-based codes can be useful in newer communities with vacant land, but they are City Council Minutes 5 February 19, 2008