Council briefs Council briefs (September 03, 2004)

Labor contract passes

The council voted Tuesday to ratify the city's contract with the 186 employees who are members of Service Employees International Union Local 715. The two-year contract, approved by the union on Aug. 12, includes a 2-percent raise the first year, a 3-percent raise the year after and 0.5-percent signing bonus. The financial terms of the agreement also apply to the 226 unrepresented employees in various city departments.

Park funds withheld

The council dedicated $167,000 to playground renovation and acquisition projects throughout the city but held off on spending another $540,000 from its parkland in-lieu fees. Council members voted to withhold the money in case it needs it to fill a funding gap for the extension of the Stevens Creek trail, pending the results of a grant search.

The staff had previously recommended that the bulk of the money, more than $380,000 earned in interest, be spent on safety compliance at four small parks. The city has been working to bring 20 parks into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and other standards.

Community Services Director David Muela assured council members that the improvements needed were minor and not a basis for potential lawsuits. Delaying improvements at other parks made up the remainder of the withheld funds.

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