By Chris Munzing
"This is the first time anyone can remember the PBA is going to have a five-year contract," City Manager Charles Theofan said. "We have a very, very fair agreement, and it's a good thing for both sides."
Kelly and Remo abstained because they said they weren't given enough time to review the contract. "I have been unwavering in my support for this police department, and I would've voted for the contract, but the City Council as a whole had no discussions on this," Remo said. "I'm not saying this is a bad contract, but the way this administration presented this contract to the council is abhorrent, and an insult to the people of Long Beach."
Council President Jim Hennessy countered that all the council members had received the contract at the same time, and felt that they had been given enough time to review it and make their decision. "I'm very happy we have a five-year contract, and I applaud both sides for a job well done," Hennessy said.
The PBA had been without a contract since July 2003, Theofan said, adding that negotiations took about a year to complete.
The contract gives the police pay hikes of 3.5 percent the first year of the contract, 3.75 percent the next two years, and 4 percent the final two years. It also calls for retroactive increases of 3.5 and 3.75 percent for the two years the PBA has been without a contract.
Theofan said that the negotiations went well. "No one ever lost their temper," he said. "Nobody even raised their voice."
Acting Police Commissioner Tom Sofield Sr. said he was pleased with the contract. "I think it's very fair for both sides, and it puts us in line with other municipalities," he said.
The PBA president, officer John Sharpe, refused to comment on the new contract or the negotiations.
Atlantic parcel sold
Also approved at Tuesday's meeting was the sale of the city-owned property adjacent to the Atlantic Hotel on Broadway. The 10,000-square-foot parcel will be sold to developer Sun America for $1.4 million as part of its plan to redevelop the Atlantic into a 50-unit condominium building.
Theofan said the price was about $150,000 more than the property was appraised for. He said the city placed a restrictive covenant on the property, prohibiting the developers from erecting another building there. David Shokrian of Sun America has agreed to build only a swimming pool and tennis court for the condo building residents on the property, Theofan said.
The vote was 3-2, with Kelly and Remo voting no. Typically, the city cannot sell property without four votes from the council, but that caveat does not apply in this case, since the property was acquired by tax lien and was never used or intended to be used for a municipal purpose.
Budget hearing set for May 24
The City Council will hold a public hearing on the city manager's proposed 2005-06 budget May 24 at 8 p.m. in City Hall. The public is encouraged to attend to offer comments and suggestions.
Hennessy said that a special meeting would be held May 31 for the City Council to vote on the budget. The city's charter says that the council must vote on the budget by May 31.
Hennessy added that he wanted to wait until the last minute so the budget could be examined and fine-tuned by council members.
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