that you need to go to the neighborhood groups. those that represent districts to their district supervisors and tell them it is an important feature. that it is supporting policies that the community generally supports. otherwise i see that it is a done deal. there is a lot of opportunity to cut it further down. please reach out and get this through. it is really paltry level. it sent sufficient. and there is community backing for this. thanks. any additional public comment.

>> is there a reason that we have to vote on this now? >> i think the rules do not allow you to abstain. >> i don't mean that. can we continue it in any way to get more information on doing some outreach in neighborhood groups or i don't know about city halls in the mix. ideas that came up. >> that was also requested by one of the supervisors we spoke to saying why now. we were hoping it to be adopted in january. if you don't have it will be different. so not knowing what it is until later in the year really changes the entire budget.

all the other departments and agencies we affect are doing their budgets in february and march. if we don't come to them until march, their response will be, great, but we can't do it this year. so if we don't do it early enough for their budget deliberations, the push-back will be "harper's harsher. those are the reasons for doing it now and not later. >> if i may. and i'm glad that we're talking about this now because i'm actually -- have some familiarity with negotiations with the city and the budgeting and i believe that supervisor campos earlier decided intentionally to touch on this issue to kind of give us a signal that the elected

officials understood our desire to move this thing forward. i also heard earlier today that we've built -- correct me, todd, if i'm wrong -- we've built in at least, you know, on paper, that the furlough days which have been negotiated citywide, we would be able to withstand negotiating back to pre-2009, i think it is. whether that's going to happen or not remains to be seen. am i right about that? so i think i'm certainly prepared to move forward along the lines of what david said, you know. sure, it could absolutely be more, faster, right but i think the sooner we get it done, the more quickly we're able to move forward just in terms of this two-year budget, and i think it's -- i think, you know, we could fight.

we could certainly fight for more, but i think mr. brooks raised a good point and i think it's important to recognize that staff has had an awful lot of success, the general manager, todd, and your staff, at persuading the other departments and the elected officials that this is something that we needed to do because of all the other things people want us to continue doing so i think, you know, there's a price. we may not have, you know, exactly, you know, what we really need but to not fight this year and to move forward and to try to address some of those things, i think it's a good course of conduct for us. i'm prepared to move there and have some confidence that, you know, we'll get the support that

we need. >> thank you. it does strike me that -- this is -- these are rates and we are still able to do anything that's cost effective to do. so that if we have programs that achieve conservation in city departments, if we have a place to sell that power once we conserve it and if that pencils out even during the four years we could do things that right now we haven't figured out how to finance but if it becomes financeable, we could do that. >> i would be very comfortable comfortable -- some of the best advice i think is not to let the perfect get in the way of the good and i think this is probably one of those circumstances. i do think it would be important for us to put in continuing rate increases into our financial planning documents so that the city family knows that this doesn't get us where we need to go and we can expect this to

continue and it's a gradual rate to reduce pain but that gradual rate will have to continue for some time and that's not a part of this motion, but i think just from a financial planning standpoint as far as informing people of our intent, i think that would be an appropriate thing to do. >> just on the timing, i would love for there to be stronger language at a minimum in this resolution. even if we committed to the actual numbers that said that we are really working towards cost of recovery, that we, you know, don't like that we have cut a lot of the service based programs that we provide. i wouldn't mind calling it conservation at a minimum but, you know, even if we just said that there are these programs that we've had to cut and then even some language around, you know, a plan to identify, if possible, alternative sources of revenue or funding as part of

the p.e.c.'s contribution to better inform in four years what the number should really look like. and i don't know if we can -- if we have the time to sort of do that or if we could draft -- just strengthen up this resolution. i would just feel more comfortable and maybe we're ready, but i feel like there's a lot of stuff that came up and it's such a significant step and maybe even acknowledging that there's -- that this half cent feels like it's palatable or however we want to put it in there. >> i think your expression of that is very clear and i'm wondering if it would be appropriate -- i was just looking at the resolution and it's -- it is a fairly comprehensive document. there's a whole lot of stuff in there and if we could leave it to staff to craft somewhere to capture that. >> or the other suggestion i might have because i was trying to figure out how much you can put in a rate thing, we could do a transmittal letter that would

come from the president of the commission or all of you or whatever to the board and that transmittal letter thank, and express concern, and that can be as detailed and collective as we would like it to be done over the next week or two. >> actually, that would probably have more impact. >> when it's in the 15th "whereas," i'm not sure it catches. >> no, i would feel more comfortable with that. >> is that something that the commissioner would like for there to be five signatures on? or just for expediency that i would sign? >> so the difference is, passing this resolution or sending a transmittal letter? >> no, no, pass this in any case. >> so you're talking about two documents. >> right. >> and a cover letter of love. >> and one signature versus five, is that just how

impressive you are as opposed to how impressive i am. >> precisely. the price of leadership rests in your hands. >> yeah, i would like to sign it. >> you'd like to sign it? >> yeah, i would. >> if you do, i'd like to sign it. >> we'll figure out how to do that without a having a sunshine act problem. >> ok. that sounds right to me. does that get us to a place where a motion is in order? i see mr. pillpull standing there. >> a bit of suggestion. if you take a transmittal letter and to the extent that you're infusing it with all the stuff we want to infuse it with, if you bring back a policy item to the commission next month, in four weeks or six weeks, to codify that as commission policy, that would further strengthen your resolve going

forward so i think doing both is a good idea, have a cover letter and then bring it back as a policy intention. that's my suggestion. >> thank you. >> i like it. commissioners, city attorney's office, maybe if we just add the direction to do the transmittal letter to the end of the resolution, that will take care of that, brown act, in directing the president of the commission to prepare a transmittal letter for the signature of the commission, then we will have done that in a public meeting. is that ok? >> move to amend. >> second. >> second. any discussion on the amendment? >> so, does that mean -- the resolution and the letter are going to come back before the commission at the next meeting? >> no. the resolution will direct staff to write a letter that we will all sign as transmittal of the resolution to the board. >> something else to do over the holidays. >> i think i had a motion.

>> i have a question. >> did i have a second? second, i'm sorry. and we didn't have any discussion. do we want discussion? we're ready for a vote. all those in favor? >> i'm sorry, i was writing. >> the last whereas to -- >> no, that's on -- that was on the addition of the final resolve. now we have to suspend rules for a technical but not important reason that doreen would be glad to tell us about if we wanted to but we need to suspend the rules and vote. >> actually, commissioners, in the notice for this, it's described there that there's a rule that references a noticing provision that's been superseded by other administrative co-provisions so we're asking you to suspend that rule and it notes that newspaper and web notice was published according

to the current procedures. >> so, we need a motion to suspend the rules. >> to suspend rule number 10. >> rule number 10. not all the rules. i have a motion, i'm sorry. >> second. >> and a second. any discussion? all those in favor. opposed? that carries. now we are clear to vote on the item as amended. do i have a motion? >> move it. >> second. >> and a second. any discussion? any public comment? all those in favor? opposed, none. the motion carries. thank you, folks. >> commissioners, the next item would be the close session item. if you could allow me to briefly read through them and if the

president could entertain a motion to invoke the attorney-client privilege. 24, consultation with agency chief security. 25, conference of legal council existing litigation of defendant. item 26, existing litigation of defendant. item 27, public employee performance evaluation, commission secretary, item 28, conference with legal counsel, existing litigation as defendant santa san mateo -- >> is there any public comment on matters to be discussed during closed session? >> david pillpo, wanted to take a brief opportunity with reference to item 27 to say what a wonderful job your committee secretary does. mike is an unheralded champion of all kinds of great things. i wanted to call that out, too. >> thank you very much. >> thank you for your time. >> any other public comment on the closed session? if not, a motion would be in

order whether to assert the attorney-client privilege. >> so moved to assert. >> moved to assert. and a second? >> second. >> and a second. any discussion? all those in favor, aye. opposed? that motion carries. we will now go into closed commissioner moran: we are back in open session. during closed sessions, the commission settled items 25, 26 and 28. it would now be appropriate for a motion as to whether to disclose the discussions during closed session. >> motion not to disclose. >> second. >> motion and seconded. all those in favor, aye. it passes.

which takes us to other new business. is there any other new business? >> none that i know of. >>. commissioner moran: is there any public comment? than we shall stand adjourned. >> we're going to get started before everybody freezes. we want to welcome everybody to the groundbreaking of cayuga

playground. is an important milestone for us. it was built in the 1950's and renovated almost 30 years ago. we are long overdue for the next renovation of this park. this particular neighborhood has become a family neighborhood. it is so important that we keep our playgrounds clean, safe, and fun. we're so grateful to the voters for supporting the 2008 neighborhoods park fund. the project is a $9.3 million project. about $8 million is from the bond. we're thrilled we received an $800,000 grant from the state to cultivate the open space. it has been a team effort. i want to acknowledge some folks who are here.

this is in no particular order. i really want to thank barbara, josie, and all the folks from the cayuga improvement group. mohammed will speak and make some introductions. i want to thank lizzie hirsch, richard yee, marvin yee, our capital planning director. i want to thank courtney representing the parks alliance. steve courier is here. thank you for being here. i want to thank the rec and park staff, bill o'brien, our new gardner. perhaps the biggest thank you and acknowledgment is to our

beloved retired gardener at the cayuga playground, demnny. he immigrated to the country in 1973. he worked in the law firm became a gardener and singlehandedly took over the park. you can see some of his work scattered throughout the trails and beautiful urban landscape. he crafted about 350 beautiful sculptures and characters. some of them have been safely tucked away for the renovation project. he will still see about 100. -- you will still see about 100 of them out here. you are a demigod to this park. thank you for being here.

when the project is done, you will see a beautiful new clubhouse with a living roof. there will be landscape improvements. the street behind you will be part of the park. pavement to park. i want to introduce the park champion in chief who will say a few words, mayor ed lee. >> phil has gone through virtually all of the details that need to be mentioned. i feel safer being here with the cia. [laughter] i know the cayuga improvement association was born back in the 1930's, 1937. it has been a stalwart group of volunteers in the community. i do not live far away. 10 years ago, i met demi.

we did some cleanups here with you. i recall all the wonderful sculptures. i have snuck in here with my kids and visitors to show them how great it is to have these parks with people volunteering to do special things. i want to thank you for your leadership and sacrifices, all of your wonderful years of work. the park's alliance for your wonderful relationship and support, and our arts commission. they will be commencing another great piece of our work here. it just goes to show all the city agencies working together and that we honor our parks in this city. this is a wonderful commitment. we are not leaving this district alone. you know that.

we're coming out your for a great purpose. we want to show and demonstrate that every part of the city is worth every investment that we do, a special building strong neighborhoods. we have done that correctly here. this is well worth $9.3 million. it is a good investment. we will do more. phil will make sure that the commitment carries on. we do that by finishing the things we have committed to in the future. i know the staff is excited to be out here making commitments. we are shovel ready with jobs. i want to thank mohammad for making sure that they work closely with the parks and a neighborhood association to do this. i am here to announce this but also to make sure that this is part of the long term commitment to every neighborhood

in the city. we will continue this -- doing this and doing it well. >> you talked about the importance of jobs. there will be about 50 local jobs as a result of this construction project. you also talked about the importance of art in the parks. i want to recognize the president of the arts commission. there is a profoundly between art and our parks. that is probably no better exhibited than in this park thanks to demi's great work. i want to call up susan to talk about that. >> this is a very unique opportunity for us here at cayuga park. we were called in to help preserve the unique sculptures. my colleague came out and

catalog, photographed and catalog all 375 sculptures. within selected 130 to be taken and stored -- we then selected 130 to be taken and stored and stabilize to be reinstalled on the park is reopened. it is no small feat to stabilize wooden structures in a damp park. they have to be cleaned out, debugged, and then a protective coat is put on them so they will be able to be in the park for years to come. it will continue the landmark status of this park. in addition to the conservation work, there is the new public

art commission. eric was inspired by demi's work and has created these gateways sculptures that feature vignettes drawn from these works. the design echoes of how the plant life enhances the sculptures overtime. crowning the opening day, it will have the name of cayuga on it. it will announce the injury to the park. it will be adorned with birds and wings. we're pleased to be part of a new park, new public commission, and preserving the work that came before us. thank you.

>> thank you, susan. projects like this are all about partnership. i want to call up the director of public works. we work closely with them. we are incredibly grateful to you and your staff for all of your support, the engineering work, and your assistance with the construction management of the project. thank you. >> it is always a pleasure to join the parks department, arts commission, cayuga improvement association, and community to celebrate this ground-breaking. we did relocate the street that leads into the park. as part of the design, there are a number of unique features. the first one is the living rooftop garden similar to

ortega. dole be adding more green space and areas for butterflies and other creatures to enjoy. when i was raising my children, i came to the spark -- this part many time with the kids. we watched demi carve many of the sculptures. there are many hidden trails along the hillside and all- around. those will continue. tdx will be the builder. it is a contractor we have worked together on a number of projects. they just finished the library at bernal and another library. they are a very good contractor. they work very well with the community. we have our team of architects,

landscape architects, and the whole team along with our construction management team they will all make sure the project is finished on time and on budget. thank you for being here today. i am looking forward to the construction to start. >> last but certainly not least, i want to bring up chris dillon , the president of the cayuga improvement association. they have been involved in the design and planning process from the outset. this is a neighborhood park. we will engage in our best efforts to make it what you want it to be. >> i wish i had the mayor's ability to speak so beautifully. i am going to lead. my comments are getting in thankfulness. this is testimony to the fact that collaboration among all

stakeholders is possible and of the greatest value to the community. i am thankful that demi share his philosophy of life with the community. he transformed our failing part into a beautiful sanctuary full of amazing art. he has renewed our committee and created a beautiful community in our park is treasured by the residents of the neighborhood. it is recognized throughout the world as a uniquely sacred site. his powerful design and philosophy are validated by the fact that there are many stakeholders that come to the park seeking peace, renewal, fun, exercise. it cannot be categorized. as a volunteer, i have witnessed the community to flourish. i am thankful for marvin yee's leadership. he embodies the best qualities of a civil servant. he has put together an expert team to focus on our shared vision.

as a former leader, i know it is an almost impossible task. he has done it successfully. he has made this work appear easy. he is not only a consummate professional, he is a friend in our community. because of his leadership, every aspect of the project has been blessed by a spurt of respectful collaboration. he has never wavered from the mission of enhancing our sanctuary well-respected and protecting demi's vision. i also want to acknowledge others for their many years of advocacy on the behalf of the park and playground. i am profoundly thankful to barbara and jesse -- josie the hours of hard work on this project. they have listened to committee members, they have mastered