Santa Clara, Calif. – April 21, 2006 – The Santa Clara City Council invites the public to attend community forums to hear about the City of Santa Clara Firefighters’ Union and Police Officers’ Association proposal to place a ballot measure on binding arbitration on the November 2006 ballot. The issue will be discussed at two community forums:

• Tuesday, May 2, 2006, 7 p.m., Santa Clara Convention Center, Rooms 203 and 204, 5001 Great America Parkway
• Wednesday, May 3, 2006, 7 p.m., Santa Clara Central Park Library, Redwood Room, 2635 Homestead Road

On April 11, 2006, the Santa Clara City Council held a study session to consider the request of the unions for the ballot measure that proposes to change the City Charter. The Charter change would provide for binding arbitration for unresolved disputes between the public safety unions and the City on such issues as wages and benefits, hours, and other terms or conditions of employment. The disputed matters would be submitted to outside arbitrators for final decisions, rather than those decisions being made by City representatives including the City Council. The Council is expected to discuss the proposed ballot measure further on April 25 and May 9, 2006.

Information presented by the Firefighters Union, the Police Officer’s Association and the City at the April 11th Council meeting may be reviewed on the City’s website.

The public is encouraged to attend either community forum to listen, ask questions, and to provide comments. Those comments will be forwarded to the City Council for their consideration. The forums will be moderated by the League of Women Voters. The public may also email their comments or write to the Mayor and City Council, 1500 Warburton Ave., Santa Clara, CA 95050.