What happened
The council approved the draft 2020-21 city budget and set up a review process after hearing from 14 residents. Labor groups and city employees opposed layoffs and furloughs during public comment, with speakers urging employee participation in finding budget solutions instead of immediate cuts.
The council approved 16 routine items on consent, including $60,017 for Martin Luther King Jr. Park improvements and $55,000 contracts each with NIAD Art Center and East Bay Center for the Performing Arts.
Two new personnel decisions passed despite opposition from Martinez. The council created a Deputy Building Official position and set its salary range between $8,978-$10,890 monthly, approved 6-1 both times with Martinez voting no.
The council approved hiring consultants to research voter support for tax ballot measures planned for November 2020. They also authorized using federal HEAP housing funds for the Safe Parking Program to provide hotel rooms for homeless residents.
Discussion of wages for three other city positions was continued to a future meeting, including an Industrial Building Inspector and changes to police records management roles.
Auto-summarized from official minutes and vote records
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Attendance
Approved as a group without individual discussion.
Biggest items: $60K Martin Luther King, Jr. Park improvem... · $55K Contract with NIAD Art Center · $55K Contract with East Bay Center for the...