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�� __ One other Council Member brought up that the high school and elementary school districts are planning new school sites and hopes that the City can work with them in collating parks. She is also excited about looking at the transportation plan, doing a study and looking at all the transportation modes. Also, she wants Staff to look at other jurisdictions to see what they have done, too. One more Council Member said that we are "touching people" when it comes to parking and sidewalks and fields and making an impact on sewer improvements. He talked about the Utility Users Tax and thanked the Council Member for bringing this to Council. He is excited about the expansion of the Recycled Water Phase II. He also addressed the issue of the California Water Tank and how critically vital its purpose is in fire protection, especially in the Emerald Hills area. He hopes the discussion continues. He thanked Mr. Ekern for a great report. Another Council Member echoed the prior Council Member's comments on how it is exciting to see how the work the Utilities Committee is doing is moving forward. She is glad to be a step ahead of doing the plumbing for the whole City and residents' taxes are going to good use. Mayor Gee agreed with the Council's comments and said how fortunate that the previous Councils and the voters approved the Charter Amendment to do a Utilities User tax. It is entirely dedicated to infrastructure and doesn't go into the General Fund. He said not many jurisdictions have taken this approach. He is glad that much activity is taking place both under and over the ground in Redwood City. Mayor Gee also was confident that Redwood City has many partners that are helping us leverage our$25 million dollars into $30 or possibly $35 million dollars that makes a difference on an annual basis. The Mayor thanked the City Manager and his team for this progress. Mr. Bill Ekern thanked Interim City Engineer Saber Sarwary for taking over this project midstream. Also, City Manager Dr. Bell clarified that the CIP budget will come back again in June via the regular budget discussion. Furthermore, he stated that the City will be presenting to the State the prior agenda item. 10. MATTERS OF COUNCIL INTEREST A. City Council Member Report of Conferences Attended Council Member Pierce stated that the Dumbarton Rail (Cities of Palo Alto and Menlo Park) are sending letters to MTC indicating that they are not supporting the forgiveness of the repayment $91 million loan but expressing support of the bus replacement and Caltrain electrification. They wanted to know if Redwood City is supporting the repayment. Mayor Gee said that this matter just came to him in very short notice, so he needs to research this and will be working with the City Manager. Council Member Howard thanked Mayor Gee for sharing information regarding the recent League meeting and local communities. She was asked what positions Redwood City will be taking in regards to the massage therapy legislation and marijuana clinics. The League will be asking the City to support them. CITY COUNCIL April 7, 2014 MEETING MINUTES PAGE 8 MINUTE BOOK NO. 65 Page No. 123