Tuesday, January 4, 2005

The council approved 16 routine items on consent, including a $318,235 budget transfer between city departments and creation of a new internal auditor position to review city spending.

The council hired law firms to defend the city in two separate Point Molate development lawsuits filed by the East Bay Regional Parks District and Citizens for the Eastshore State Park. Both contracts with Miller, Starr & Regalia were approved to handle environmental review challenges.

A contract with SAP training software for city employees was approved 7-1, with Butt voting no. The city uses SAP software to manage finances and payroll, and staff need specialized training to use the complex system effectively.

The council approved a pre-tax payroll deduction plan for city employees buying extra CalPERS retirement credit. Previously, employees had to use after-tax dollars for these purchases, but the new plan reduces their taxable income.

A contract with Clorox Company was approved to help deliver federal H-1B grant training for advanced information technology skills. Discussion of Point Molate security services and neighborhood improvement districts was continued to future meetings.