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Session 1922 May 17, 2004 development, he said the time frame for a City inspector to make a call is too long, and the inspection and driveway fees are $760,000 and that is fifty percent or more of the $1.3 million expended by the Plan Committee. He said the City should "either lower the fees or raise the expenses and get some more revenue." Occupancy permits, he suggested, should include Social Security numbers to yield an accurate number of students for the School District. Mr. Ollendorff asked him to expand upon this suggestion, and Mr. McCarthy said that Social Security Numbers are a "unique item" and would guarantee that a child exists and provide the child's accurate age. Then Mr. McCarthy asserted that University City should join with other municipalities to purchase expensive equipment for use by the Fire Department. He noted there is an increase in spending for the Fire Department of $500,000 in the budget for next year, but he asked what will happen the year after that? Will that amount move into operating costs? He noted the same thing with the proposed console in Dispatch; can this function be contracted out? He asked about banking services and their accompanying fees, asking when was the last time these banking services were released for bid. He asked if the City was going to fund the depreciation of $800,000 for the Central Garage. He asked if the City does not fund it, why is it a line item in this budget. Finally, in respect of school crossing guards, he asked if this service will be charged to schools at fifty percent and if this service will be offered to non-public schools in University City? Richard Dockett, 6244 Crest Avenue, expressed his appreciation to the City Staff and City Council for attending a meeting on April 15th, 2004, which addressed the needs of the northeast section of the City. He encouraged the City Council to move forward with the Northeast Plan and said that progress is being made in this area. Mayor Adams declared the Public Hearing closed at 7:56 p.m. and said that Mr. Ollendorff would respond to Mr. McCarthy's points raised this evening. CITIZEN COMMENT Irene Hasegawa, 2033 North Geyer Road, who owns property in University City at 7356 Wellington Avenue and at 958 Abbeville Drive, came tonight to address the City Council about blighted houses next to her property. She cited houses on either side of both of those properties, and mentioned first the one at 7350 Wellington Avenue. She has complained to the Police Department and to Public Works, and now she seeks help from the City Council. While cleaning in front of this house on a recent Sunday afternoon, she witnessed a drug deal in the presence of her children. She said neighbors were familiar with drug activity in this area. Potential buyers will not buy her property there because they are aware of drug activity. She cited "huge inconsistencies with the City" in terms of what they are willing to tolerate. Inspectors, she said, expect high standards with respect to cracks in the sidewalk or the height of handrails, but Page 5