Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council  

Please refer to the attached ten page document entitled Economic Stimulus Package For Menlo Park. It is submitted in preparation for the Tuesday, June 3, 2008 City Council Meeting where the review of the 2008-2009 Budget is an agenda item.  

In reviewing the City Manager's Budget for 2008-2009 I find it very comprehensive addressing many needed programs within the City. My compliments to the staff on focusing on many ways that helps to make Menlo Park special.  

To help fill the nearly $1,000,000 deficit, the report outlines various recommendations, including, but not limited to, 1) establishing an active citizen volunteer and recognition program, 2) establishing a grant writer program to take advantage of Federal, State, Regional, Foundations and other funds available to Cities and 3) Creating a Community Services Foundation, with the City of San Carlos serving as a local example on how successful these types of programs can be.  

Thank you for the opportunity to share a few ideas. It is much appreciated.  

Respectfully,
Jim Lewis  

Encl. Economic Stimulus Package For Menlo Park- 10 pages

**************Get trade secrets for amazing burgers. Watch "Cooking with Tyler Florence" on AOL Food.
(http://food.aol.com/tyler-florence?video=4&?NCID=aolfod00030000000002)