HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-12-04 City Council Summary Minutes
Special Meeting
December 4, 2006
1. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR ..........................................146
2. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR ..........................................146
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m. .................................146
1. Presentation of a Study by Group 4 Architecture on Library Space
Needs at Mitchell Park Library and Community Center, Main Library,
and Branch Libraries .......................................................................147
2. Resolution 8673 entitled “Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo
Alto Commending the Life-Saving Efforts of Dr. James Missett, Linda
Lenoir, Angus Blackwood, Dorothy Gottfredson, Ryan Waters, Jeremy
Burns, the City of Palo Alto’s Paramedics and Fire Personnel, Page Mill
YMCA’s Staff and the Stanford Hospital Staff” ....................................149
3. a) Resolution 8674 entitled “Resolution of the Council of the City of
Palo Alto Expressing Appreciation to Pandemic Community
Presentation Outreach Partners ........................................................150
b) Resolution 8675 entitled “Resolution of the Council of the City of
Palo Alto Resolution Expressing Appreciation to Members of the City’s
Pandemic Outreach Planning Committee (Palo Alto Medical Foundation;
Palo Alto Medical Reserve Corps; Palo Alto Area Red Cross; Palo Alto
Unified School District)” ..................................................................151
4. Proclamation Honoring Gleim the Jeweler on the Occasion of its 75th
Anniversary ...................................................................................151
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS ........................................................................151
APPROVAL OF MINUTES ..........................................................................152
5. Ordinance 4928 entitled “Ordinance Authorizing an Amendment to
Contract Between the City of Palo Alto and the Board of Administration
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of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (to Provide
Section 21354.5 (2.7% @ 55 Full Formula) for Local Miscellaneous
Members)” ....................................................................................152
6. Transmittal of Final Library Service Model Analysis and
Recommendations (LSMAR) Report and Request for Approval of Staff
Recommendation to Undertake Community Polling Prior to Final
Decisions on Library Service and Facility Enhancements ......................153
7. Transmittal of a Study by Group 4 Architecture on Library Space Needs
at Mitchell Park Library and Community Center, Main Library, and
Branch Libraries; Library and Parks and Recreation Commission Recommendations Based on the Group 4 Architecture Report; and
Staff Recommendation to Undertake Polling Prior to Final Decision on
Library and Facility Enhancements....................................................153
8. Colleagues Memo from Council Members Cordell, Drekmeier and Klein
regarding Decision-Making Process on Use of Tasers by Palo Alto Police
Department ...................................................................................157
COUNCIL COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND REPORTS FROM
CONFERENCES ...............................................................................157
FINAL ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 11:25 p.m. ......................158
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The City Council of the City of Palo Alto met on this date in the Council
Chambers at 6:00 p.m.
Present: Barton, Beecham, Cordell, Drekmeier, Kishimoto, Klein,
Kleinberg, Morton (arrived at 6:05 p.m.), Mossar
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
CLOSED SESSION 1. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR Agency Negotiator: City Manager and his designees pursuant to the Merit Rules and Regulations (Frank Benest, Emily Harrison, Russ Carlsen, Carl Yeats, Darrell Murray, Sandra Blanch, Joe Saccio, Richard James) Employee Organization: Local 715 Service Employees International Union AFL-CIO (SEIU) -- SEIU Hourly Unit Authority: Government Code section 54957.6(a) 2. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR
City Manager and his designees pursuant to Merit Rules and
Regulations (Frank Benest, Emily Harrison, Russ Carlsen, Carl Yeats,
Sandra Blanch, Darrell Murray, David Ramberg, Nick Marinaro)
Employee Organization: Palo Alto Fire Chiefs Association
Authority: Government Code Section 54957.6(a)
Mayor Kleinberg stated no reportable action was taken.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
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Regular Meeting
December 4, 2006
The Council of the City of Palo Alto met on this date in the Council Chambers
at 7:15 p.m.
Present: Barton, Beecham, Cordell, Drekmeier, Kishimoto, Klein,
Kleinberg, Morton, Mossar
STUDY SESSION
1. Presentation of a Study by Group 4 Architecture on Library Space
Needs at Mitchell Park Library and Community Center, Main Library,
and Branch Libraries
During the study session, Assistant Public Works Director Mike Sartor
provided a summary of the Council and staff actions to date on Mitchell Park
Library space planning. After this brief presentation, Kathy Page of Page +
Morris Library Planning presented an assessment of the Palo Alto library
system. This assessment evaluated user data and projected square footage
needs for the library system. Dawn Merkes of Group 4 Architecture,
Research + Planning, Inc., followed this presentation with a presentation of
the final report of the Mitchell Park Library Space Study. This report
identified three feasible site reconfiguration options, with associated costs,
that would facilitate the construction of an expanded Mitchell Park Library.
Ms. Merkes then presented an analysis of the Main Library and the potential
for adding group study and program space to this facility. The Council took
the following public comment from members of the audience who were
under age 18, or who were accompanied by individuals under age 18, so
that they didn’t have to wait to be heard late in the evening under Items 6
and 7.
No Action Required.
Eric Foster, 1636 Channing Avenue, requested a larger inventory of books
for the libraries.
Kinsey Drake, 3415 Louis Road, requested more books, a larger children’s
area, and an upgrade of the cooling system at the Mitchell Park Library.
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Matthew Fogarty, 2421 Bryant Street, requested the Mitchell Park Library be
upgraded and expanded so children could use the facilities for after school
activities.
Elyssa Ellison, 513 Capitan Place, asked for expansion and to add more
books to the Mitchell Park Library.
Olivia Ellison, 513 El Capitan Place, echoed Elyssa Ellison’s comments.
Penny Ellison, 513 El Capitan Place, spoke in support of moving forward on the library improvement expansion plans.
Holly Wright, 521 El Capitan Place, spoke regarding expansion of the Mitchell
Park Library facilities and bicycle racks.
Siddhartha R. Ozu, Palo Alto Youth Council, 937 Maddux Drive, spoke
regarding the importance of joint youth facilities and how they would
effectively suit the needs of Palo Altans and youths.
Bryant Im, 519 St. Claire, spoke in support of expanding Mitchell Park
Library facilities and the need for multiple copies of books.
David Oh, 3932 Park Boulevard, spoke in support of expanding Mitchell Park
Library. He suggested meeting rooms to hold tutorial and study group
sessions, multiple copies of books, and to upgrade the computers and/or
install network ports to accommodate laptop computers.
Megan Kuhnle, 3487 Ross Road, spoke of the need to expand the children’s
section at Mitchell Park Library.
Josh Steinback, 299 Creekside Drive, spoke in regard to expanding the
Mitchell Park Library to better suit the needs of children.
Michelle Casper spoke regarding the need to upgrade library facilities in Palo
Alto.
Moriah Bradski, 4082 Nelson Drive, spoke regarding the need for more
movies and books at the libraries.
Elizabeth Alexis, 349 Diablo Court, suggested a new joint community center
and library building fronting Middlefield Road to be Palo Alto’s Southern Civic
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Gateway. She urged the Council to move forward with the expansion plan.
Bob Shaw, 363 Diablo Court, spoke of the need to expand the Mitchell Park
Library and to meet the same standards of new libraries in neighboring
cities.
Lanie Wheeler, 362 Diablo Court, spoke regarding the need to upgrade and
maintain the libraries. She said libraries are centers of life-long learning and
expressed the need to expand Mitchell Park Library.
Alison Van Egeren, 4060 Nelson Drive, urged expansion of the Mitchell Park
Library and noted a need to increase the collection of books.
Evan Lurie, 180 Parkside, spoke regarding the need to support the growing
community’s demand on library infrastructure. He asked for the Council’s
leadership to support the demands.
SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY
2. Resolution 8673 entitled “Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo
Alto Commending the Life-Saving Efforts of Dr. James Missett, Linda
Lenoir, Angus Blackwood, Dorothy Gottfredson, Ryan Waters, Jeremy
Burns, the City of Palo Alto’s Paramedics and Fire Personnel, Page Mill
YMCA’s Staff and the Stanford Hospital Staff”
MOTION: Council Member Cordell moved, seconded by Beecham, to
approve the Resolution Commending Dr. James Missett, Ryan Watters,
Jeremy Burns, Linda Lenoir, Angus Blackwood, Dorothy Gottfredson, the City
of Palo Alto’s Paramedics and Fire Personnel, Page Mill YMCA’s Staff and the
Stanford Hospital Staff for their Life-Saving Efforts.
Linda Lenoir said the American Red Cross trained her to respond to medical
emergencies. During fiscal year 2006, 51 locally-trained volunteers served
on eight different National disaster relief operations; 86 adults and children
received assistance by trained volunteers following residential fires, and
more than 350 people were trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR),
free of charge. Almost 10,000 members of the community were trained in
first aid, CPR, swimming, water safety and baby sitter training. There were
10,225 disaster preparedness brochures distributed in English and Spanish;
2,622 adults and 346 youths were trained in community disaster education
presentations; and the Safe Ride Program received 485 calls. Teen
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volunteers gave 416 rides between September and June. In the last three
years, over 20,000 people were trained in CPR by the Palo Alto Chapter.
Dr. James Missett said Professor Steele, in his mid-70’s, had been going to
the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) for the past 20 years and was
largely responsible for his own survival. With the aid and availability of the
YMCA, he was able to maintain extraordinarily good physical condition.
Professor Steele thanked those who assisted him with life-saving efforts.
Mrs. Steele said it was a miraculous circumstance and expressed her
gratitude for all the assistance Professor Steele received.
Mayor Kleinberg acknowledged the Palo Alto Paramedic staff for their
outstanding work in the community.
MOTION PASSED 9-0.
3. a) Resolution 8674 entitled “Resolution of the Council of the City of
Palo Alto Expressing Appreciation to Pandemic Community
Presentation Outreach Partners (Albert J. Schultz Jewish
Community Center; American Association of University Women –
Palo Alto Chapter; Avenidas; Community Association for
Rehabilitation; Family Resources: Kiwanis Club of Palo Alto;
Lions Club; Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce; Palo Alto
Community Child Care: Palo Alto Council of PTAs; Palo Alto
Family YMCA; Palo Alto Hardware; Palo Alto Housing Corporation; Palo Alto Ministerial Association; Palo Alto
Neighborhoods; PANDA; Rotary Club of Palo Alto; Stanford
University; and Youth Community Service)”
MOTION: Council Member Morton moved, seconded by Klein, to approve
the resolution “Expressing Appreciation to Pandemic Community
Presentation Outreach Partners (Albert J. Schultz Jewish Community Center;
American Association of University Women – Palo Alto Chapter; Avenidas;
Community Association for Rehabilitation; Family Resources: Kiwanis Club of
Palo Alto; Lions Club; Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce; Palo Alto Community
Child Care: Palo Alto Council of PTAs; Palo Alto Family YMCA; Palo Alto
Hardware; Palo Alto Housing Corporation; Palo Alto Ministerial Association;
Palo Alto Neighborhoods; PANDA; Rotary Club of Palo Alto; Stanford
University; and Youth Community Service)”
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MOTION PASSED 9-0.
b) Resolution 8675 entitled “Resolution of the Council of the City of
Palo Alto Resolution Expressing Appreciation to Members of the
City’s Pandemic Outreach Planning Committee (Palo Alto Medical
Foundation; Palo Alto Medical Reserve Corps; Palo Alto Area Red
Cross; Palo Alto Unified School District)”
MOTION: Council Member Morton moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Kishimoto, to approve the resolution “Expressing Appreciation to Members of
the City’s Pandemic Outreach Planning Committee (Palo Alto Medical
Foundation; Palo Alto Medical Reserve Corps; Palo Alto Area Red Cross; Palo
Alto Unified School District)”
MOTION PASSED 8-0, Drekmeier absent.
Linda Lenoir, Palo Alto Unified School District Nurse, expressed her
appreciation for the time and effort the City’s Pandemic Outreach Planning
Committee provided and for Palo Alto taking the lead and working closely
with the Public Health Department.
Elaine Grillet, Palo Alto Medical Reserve Corp, said her organization focused
on training and educating mental health professionals in disaster mental
health issues. She wanted the community to be aware the organization
trained and prepared for disasters and could be a long-lasting and critical
part for planning and aftercare of a disaster.
4. Proclamation Honoring Gleim the Jeweler on the Occasion of its 75th
Anniversary
Georgie Gleim accepted and thanked the City for the proclamation and the
surrounding community for their years of loyalty. The Gleims looked
forward to serving the community for many more years.
No Action Required.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Aram James spoke regarding police abuse.
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Monica Emmer, Coalition Against Teen Tobacco (CATT), 1344 Pitman Ave,
spoke regarding tobacco license report card.
Mark Petersen-Perez, 434 Addison Avenue, spoke regarding illegal phone
installation wire tap.
Don Letcher, 788 N. Rengstorff Avenue, Mountain View, spoke regarding
police procedures and reporting.
Robert Moss, 4010 Orme Street, spoke regarding the approval of 195 Page Mill Road.
Council Recess: 9:32 p.m. to 9:40 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION: Council Member Mossar moved, seconded by Morton, to adopt the
minutes of October 23, 2006 and November 6, 2006, as submitted.
MOTION PASSED 9-0.
CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION: Council Member Barton moved, seconded by Morton, to approve
Consent Calendar Item No. 5.
5. Ordinance 4928 entitled “Ordinance Authorizing an Amendment
to Contract Between the City of Palo Alto and the Board of
Administration of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (to Provide Section 21354.5 (2.7% @ 55 Full Formula)
for Local Miscellaneous Members)”
MOTION PASSED 6-3, Kleinberg, Kishimoto, Mossar no.
REPORTS OF OFFICIALS
Mayor Kleinberg noted that Agenda Items 6 and 7 would be heard together.
6. Transmittal of Final Library Service Model Analysis and
Recommendations (LSMAR) Report and Request for Approval of Staff
Recommendation to Undertake Community Polling Prior to Final
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Decisions on Library Service and Facility Enhancements
7. Transmittal of a Study by Group 4 Architecture on Library Space Needs
at Mitchell Park Library and Community Center, Main Library, and
Branch Libraries; Library and Parks and Recreation Commission
Recommendations Based on the Group 4 Architecture Report; and
Staff Recommendation to Undertake Polling Prior to Final Decision on
Library and Facility Enhancements
Library Director Diane Jennings introduced Library Advisory Commission (LAC) Chairperson, Sandra Hirsch, and said she would be presenting the
Commission’s Library Service Model Analysis and Recommendations Report
(LSMAR). The two-year report consisted of community analysis and
outreach.
Library Advisory Commission Chairperson Sandra Hirsch gave a presentation
on the LSMAR as outlined in staff report (CMR:429:06). She said it was a
participatory process involving library staff, public, and community
stakeholders and partners. Demographics, census information, input from
other library directors and practices were taken into consideration resulting
in a rich process. The high-level vision for the libraries was to forge a path
towards creation of a library of tomorrow.
Assistant City Manager Emily Harrison summarized the staff
recommendations as outlined in Item No 7 (CMR:434:06). She said staff
recommended the work on decision-making for the library program and for
services to continue and to incorporate the findings of the Auditor’s Report, which would be discussed with the LAC in spring 2007. Staff’s key
recommendation was to undertake community polling prior to making final
decisions on the service and facilities enhancement. If the library and the
public safety building bond measures go forward, staff would contract with a
pollster. The vision would be to have a polling firm remain under contract as
the projects progressed. Early polling would provide information on how
people felt about trusting the City in spending their money wisely and would
they be willing to tax themselves to do other things beyond the current
program. It would be beneficial to get community input regarding the
Mitchell Park options, the Library versus the Library and Community options,
and to assess public willingness to provide ongoing funding for program and
service recommendations. Staff would look into other revenue streams to
enhance the programs and services. The Council’s goal was to make a
decision on both major priorities by December 2007. The public safety
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building schedule was on track. Initial polling could begin in January 2007.
With a design and environmental assessment completed, the Council and
Commission could work in parallel and be on schedule in making a decision
by December 2007.
Alison Cormack, 3487 Ross Road, said she was speaking on behalf of herself
as well as Shamida Jashe. She submitted a petition with 850 signatures in
support of enhancing the libraries and would be working on a campaign to
make the library improvements a reality.
Wayne Martin, 3687 Bryant, spoke regarding the library project getting too
expensive and he believed there would be a great deal of opposition should
the project go forward.
Arthur Keller, 3881 Corina Way, stated the plan through 2030 will deal with
the library service deficit and make Mitchell Park Library more appropriate.
He noted as more housing is constructed in South Palo Alto, there might be
the potential conversion of the School District portion of Cubberley
Community Center to become a small high school. He urged the Council to
consider whether it made sense to provide expansion space in terms of the
Community Center.
Jeremy Erman said the issue of centrality is being avoided and a full service
library is still needed.
Greg Schmid, Janice Way, urged the Council to be the leader for information
and interaction for Palo Alto’s future.
Dave Charleson, 855 Chimalus Drive, stated he has visited other libraries in
the area and more space is definitely needed at Mitchell Park.
Robert Moss, 4010 Orme Street, recognized the LAC for the work they have
done over the past few years and for coming up with reasonable
recommendations. He suggested also studying the expansion of Main
Library and locating support staff at Main where they would be more
effective.
Jonathan Erman, 3094 Cowper Street, agreed with his brother, Jeremy, and
stated no other city the size of Palo Alto has five branches, because it is too
expensive.
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K.C. Marcinik, 4046 Ben Lomond Drive, stated it is a great plan for Mitchell
Park Library and she hoped it would be expedited.
Council Member Drekmeier agreed Mitchell Park needed attention and the
polling should include refurbishing the other libraries.
Council Member Morton noted his concern with polling was there might be
too many options for the public to fully understand whether the public
service building was included in the poll. He questioned page 47 in the
report regarding statistical comparisons to neighboring libraries and that Palo Alto has the highest circulation in any of the 12 cities. He was amazed
the service hours per full time equivalent (FTE) or per hundred of population
was twice the average. Palo Alto did more with less space and less cost than
others when looking at the statistics.
Mayor Kleinberg stated public comments are closed.
Council Member Mossar agreed that Mitchell Park Library needed to be
improved, but her interest in polling was whether the public was interested
in funding an improved library system. There must also be a funding plan
for the operation and maintenance of the improvements, which was not
available in 2002.
Council Member Barton thanked members of the LAC and staff for the focus,
passion, and energy that went into their work.
Sandra Hirsch, LAC, said the plan would be for two very high functioning libraries to provide a high level of service for the public.
Director of Libraries Diane Jennings said there will be many opportunities for
technology and joint use possibilities. The highest priorities would be the
main focus.
Council Member Barton requested an explanation of soft costs be included
when the item returned to the Council next week. He said it was important
to note the issue was not just about Mitchell Park; it was about all the
libraries.
Council Member Klein added his appreciation for the work done by the LAC
and the achievement of near unanimity, which is necessary for the project to
proceed. He stated the current project has one-third less square footage
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than what was proposed four years ago for $40 million, which compares to
around $30 million for what is being proposed at this time.
Assistant Director Public Works Mike Sartor explained the bond issue in 2002
included bond financing and other costs that had not been developed for the
current project.
Ms. Harrison noted the projects were bid two or three years ago.
Council Member Klein said it is impossible to predict the costs in 2009-2010. He also stated he is against polling and asked whether the project would be
pulled if the poll did not indicate what it hoped for.
Council Member Cordell clarified if the project went forward, the bulk of the
funds would be allocated to Mitchell Park Library.
Ms. Harrison confirmed that would be the case.
Council Member Cordell stated the infrastructure issue was most important
at this time and she was very supportive of going forward with a bond
measure. The majority of the funds would be used for Mitchell Park and the
public must not be misled. She was concerned the issue must be presented
as a joint issue; a public safety building and a library building. They were
not competing items. She stated the benefit of polling was to establish the
best way on how campaigning should be conducted to change the minds of
those who were opposed to the bond measure. She recommended the City
contribute funds towards the project.
Ms. Harrison asked Council Members to send any questions to staff this
week.
Council Member Drekmeier stated a poll would be important as it would
provide Council with necessary information. Some of the options that entail
using the existing Community Center might be more appealing to the voters.
Polling on the public safety building and the library project should be done
together. Many issues on the ballot would be out of Palo Alto’s control. If
polling results did not indicate 75 percent in favor, Council would need to
consider the measures very seriously.
Council Member Beecham noted the Mitchell Park bond measure was
approved in 1956. The public must be shown that what was being proposed
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was comparable to what was being done in other cities. In 2002, the
Children’s Library was included, which would not be the case now. A
National Survey reported that 78 percent of Palo Alto residents were
satisfied, or somewhat satisfied, with the libraries. It was unknown what the
community thought about a new public safety building and improvements to
the library system.
City Attorney Gary Baum noted the City is allowed to poll but cannot do
advocacy polling.
Mayor Kleinberg requested staff to address the following issues for the
meeting next week: 1) whether polling is done for both projects, advising
funding for both projects and what it would cost the public; 2) space and
collection for seniors as the Baby Boomer generation begins retiring; 3) the
timeline for the project and what parts of it could be combined, expedited
etc.; 4) staff input about form following function and how much the function
should be looked at with respect to the form; and 5) discuss this project as a
community asset; it is not about where the project is located in the City.
Council Member Beecham questioned if action was needed to continue the
agenda item to next week.
MOTION: Council Member Morton moved, seconded by Beecham, to
continue Agenda Items 6 and 7 to the next council meeting of December 11,
2006.
MOTION PASSED 8-0 Mossar absent.
8. Colleagues Memo from Council Members Cordell, Drekmeier and Klein
regarding Decision-Making Process on Use of Tasers by Palo Alto Police
Department
MOTION: Council Member Cordell moved, seconded by Klein, to move
Agenda Item No. 8 to December 11, 2006 under Unfinished Business.
MOTION PASSED 8-1, Drekmeier no.
COUNCIL COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND REPORTS FROM CONFERENCES
Mayor Kleinberg reported the Bay Area Air Quality Management District has
issued a “Spare the Air Night” requesting no wood be burned at night and
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that evening automobile travel is limited. Tomorrow would be the “Mayor’s
Luncheon to Discuss Vitality in Palo Alto Business” and it was a public
meeting.
FINAL ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 11:25 p.m.
ATTEST: APPROVED:
City Clerk Mayor
NOTE: Sense minutes (synopsis) are prepared in accordance with Palo Alto
Municipal Code Sections 2.04.180(a) and (b). The City Council and Standing
Committee meeting tapes are made solely for the purpose of facilitating the preparation of the minutes of the meetings. City Council and Standing
Committee meeting tapes are recycled 90 days from the date of the
meeting. The tapes are available for members of the public to listen to
during regular office hours.
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