Correspondence #44 - Sanitation - Laserfiche WebLink

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Flores, Dora From: Nathaniel Greensides < Sent: Tuesday, February 20, 2024 2:38 PM To: eComment Cc: Hernandez, Johnathan Subject: Re: Public Hearing Agenda Item 44 2024-Feb-20 City Council Meeting **Correction: I remain vigilant of staunch opposition by those who vehemently oppose participation in any publicly funded services provided for the general health and welfare of all residents of our city; but may not, however, actually reside in our city or ever even step foot in our city despite holding title to real estate for which tenants pay the all of the property costs on a pass through basis via rent. On Tue, Feb 20, 2024 at 2:08 PM Nathaniel Greensides <mynci90@gmail.com> wrote: Dear City Council, I write to you as the Ward 5 ETAC Commissioner. City staff mentioned and shared about this matter to ETAC and therefore I wish to weigh in. I believe it is important first to visit what this fee and service covers: maintenance, sanitation, and safety of public roads and right of ways. Our public streets receive a lot of use, that is no mistake. Our current budget for street sanitation has not changed since 1996 and we all know that the world because of inflation has only gotten more expensive. The current fee is insufficient for a city our size. I am generally in favor of increasing the fee for the much needed services of keeping our streets clean and sanitary. I have, however, reviewed the complaints of those who have submitted their opposition thus far to such a marked increase. Upon review, many individuals who have submitted opposition to the fee increases are older folks who own their own residences and properties in the city. I propose that there be a means tested manner of ensuring that residents who cannot afford the increase may apply for a reduction or an exemption to the increases. Alternatively, rolling out different tiers of increases to various types of taxable entities in our city should be established so that the services may continue to be provided. Additionally, I believe there needs to be consideration and creation of public -private partnerships where neighborhoods and communities may provide their own road and safety sanitation services above the base level services provided to the city but might otherwise be barred from doing so by current codes of law. I remain vigilant of staunch opposition by those who vehemently oppose participation in any publicly funded services provided for the general health and welfare of all residents of our city; but may not, however, actually reside in our city or ever even step foot in our city despite holding title to real estate for which tenants pay the property taxes on a pass through basis. Sincerely, Nate Greensides Ward 5 Commissioner Ward 5 resident