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Council subcommittees (meetings and update) <br /> Council Discussion: Vision <br /> Awards Program <br /> Historic Homes <br /> Downtown Communications <br /> Human Service Financial Assistance <br /> Sesquicentennial Committee <br /> Neighborhood Associations <br /> Role of Architectural Committee <br /> Dr. Bell covered the budget picture focusing on specific threats and detailing the <br /> estimated financial impact of each item. Council asked specific questions of Dr. Bell on <br /> items like enterprise funds and pension liability strategies. Dr. Bell then covered the <br /> Key Priorities Update by going over each priority and what has been completed or is in <br /> the pipeline. The priority for Housing at all levels and Partnership Redwood City were <br /> covered in detail. Some Council Members posed questions about the rental market, in <br /> particular the increase in rents. The Fire Sprinkler safety program was discussed. Dr. <br /> Bell also covered the Strategic Plan and where we are in the process. <br /> Dr. Bell provided a breakdown of all the Council Subcommittee meetings held in 2014 <br /> and there were a total of 229 including Boards, Commissions and Committees, <br /> Community meetings and other meetings. Some Council Members wanted to keep <br /> better informed of what is being discussed at the subcommittee level so they have <br /> information if the community approaches them. There was some discussion about <br /> making the agenda topics more descriptive for clarity, and there was consensus about <br /> this approach. Vice Mayor Foust added that everything that needs Council direction <br /> does come to the full Council. The idea of adding a Council meeting per month was <br /> discussed. Dr. Bell said that the number of ineetings held last year is comparable with <br /> the number of ineetings held in prior years. He also offered to make it clearer on the <br /> agendas the option to report out. General consensus was that when a Council Member <br /> has an interest in a particular item they can contact the City Manager for more details. <br /> It was also discussed adding to subcommittees' agendas, a "Report Out" item and to <br /> have a Council Member volunteer to do it at the Council meeting. Ms. White added that <br /> Council Members should take initiative in inquiring about items and reporting out at the <br /> Council Meeting. Some Council Members reiterated that they would like to have the <br /> report outs so they are informed. <br /> The Council discussed Vision and one Council Member requested an opportunity to <br /> have a full discussion on the vision for the City. Dr. Bell said that we are on year five of <br /> a five year Strategic Plan. This Council Member is looking for a full discussion on vision <br /> outside of the Strategic Plan. One Council Member added that with finite resources the <br /> discussion needs to be contained. Dr. Bell said that he thought that process began last <br /> year, but if there are other items that need to be discussed, they can be brought up at <br /> the mid-year budget point. Mayor Gee summarized that at a macro level the vision in <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 /> SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES February 2, 2015 <br /> PAGE 2 <br /> MINUTE BOOK NO. 65 <br /> Page No. 324 <br />