Laserfiche WebLink
7.2.D. - Page 3 <br /> the Strategic Plan is good, but if there are additions, then it should be shared and he <br /> would like to have BCCs (Boards, Commissions and Committees) be part of this <br /> discussion. Ms. White added that on the yearly budget update there will be an <br /> opportunity to discuss any new items. <br /> Then the Council discussed the Mayor's Beautification awards and there were various <br /> suggestions regarding format, name of the event, who judges, criteria and presentation <br /> at the Council meeting. There was a wide spectrum of possibilities, categories and <br /> approaches. Ultimately, the goal is to have less staff hours tied to this program as <br /> currently 100 hours a year are spent on this program. Vice Mayor Foust suggested <br /> bringing an award under Special Orders of the Day quarterly, with volunteers handling <br /> the planning. Another Council Member wanted to broaden the criteria for recognition <br /> and include associations and neighborhoods. Mayor Gee invited Vice Mayor Foust and <br /> Council Howard to get together and review options related to making it broader, not staff <br /> intensive, appropriately named, done under Special Orders of the Day, and then provide <br /> the options to the full City Council. <br /> Dr. Bell spoke about the Downtown Precise Plan and historic homes. There was a <br /> discussion about the process and there was general consensus to lengthen the <br /> notification period in the ordinance. Dr. Bell also shared improved systems that have <br /> been implemented in the Community Development Department to flag these types of <br /> properties. Vice Mayor Foust acknowledged to Dr. Bell that staff did everything right on <br /> the Warren historic property and she wanted this fact to be acknowledged. <br /> Regarding communications on Downtown matters, there was some discussion about <br /> messaging and using multiple channels to communicate these projects. There was a <br /> discussion about publishing a newsletter for those who rely on hardcopies for <br /> information. Dr. Bell will requested additional resources for communication purposes <br /> and to support the new Public Communications Manager. There was general support <br /> for this approach because Redwood City does not have a local paper. <br /> Council next discussed the HSFA (Human Services Financial Assistance) program and <br /> Mayor Gee added that this needs to be addressed as part of the budget discussion. <br /> Council Member Pierce brought up the fact that the City will be completing its 150th <br /> Anniversary in two years. Mayor Gee believes this matter needs to come before the <br /> City Council as an agenda item. Regarding Neighborhood Associations, the Mayor <br /> would like to stay more in touch with these groups and use Peninsula Conflict <br /> Resolution Center if the need arises. Subsequently, Council discussed the role of the <br /> Architectural Advisory Committee and lessons learned. Dr. Bell said that if there is a <br /> need for Council to weigh in on design, staff can formulate a process for this. <br /> Mayor Gee thanked all participants for their input and in particular Dr. Bell and the <br /> facilitator for his work leading up to this event. <br /> 5. ADJOURN — the meeting adjourned at 8:32 p.m. <br /> Respectfully submitted, <br /> Silvia Vonderlinden, <br /> City Clerk <br /> Submitted for approval at the City Council meeting of February 23, 2015. <br /> SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES February 2, 2015 <br /> PAGE 3 <br />