CC MIN 2014-05-05 Special Town Hall

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Mayor Gee provided opening remarks welcoming all those present and announcing that this is the first of two Town Hall meetings the City Council will host this year. The next one will be at the Fair Oaks Community Center on October 30, 2014. He also announced that there will be two more Town Hall meetings next year. He views this as an opportunity to engage the community and hear from the residents. He noted that no action would be taken at this meeting but staff is here to listen to the residents. Mayor Gee invited public comment. Public Comment Mathew Reising submitted a letter and shared concerns regarding sidewalk maintenance issues and an alleged Zoning code change. He shared details about a recent incident related to a "trip and fall" suit and how the City repaired the sidewalk. He said he was here because he believes there is a problem and he has questions on how certain changes have been enacted (letter on file). Dr. Bell clarified that staff is in conversations with the Redwood Shores Home Owners Association regarding the incident and that while the ordinance was modified, no new requirements were imposed. He also said that as a matter of protocol, when a claim is filed, the insurance company always informs the property owner. He said that staff will be meeting with the Homeowner's representatives and will clarify the ordinance requirements. Linda Poky addressed the Council on the matter of the Silicon Valley Clean Water sewage pipe replacement project. She has concerns with approach and methodology and requested answers regarding the placement and location of the sewage pipe. She shared concerns with the possible placement of the pipe near the levy. She requested that the preferred pathway be under Redwood Shores Parkway with an option for micro tunneling. Abdel Ismail spoke about an ordinance which requires fire sprinkler extensions on certain levels of development and he said that having to meet this requires a water main extension which can be costly. He believes a cost reimbursement program/payback system might be a more equitable approach. Mayor Gee said that what he heard is that if you are the first one in then the cost is high and if you are going to tag along then the cost is less. Dr. Bell said staff will research how other cities are handling this situation to see what might work better for our community. Bob Wilson thanked Council for this opportunity and for Council's service. He shared concerns with the Silicon Valley Clean Water water main project. He attended a presentation by Dan Child on this issue and he is seeking leadership and awareness around this project. He said this will be a costly endeavor (1/2 billion dollars) and he would like more information and better awareness of the options. He would like to see real data about what is causing this problem and the need. SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION/TOWN HALL May 5, 2014 MEETING MINUTES PAGE 2 MINUTE BOOK NO. 65 Page No. 143