CC MIN 2015-02-02 Special Retreat

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Then the Council discussed the Mayor's Beautification awards and there were various suggestions regarding format, name of the event, who judges, criteria and presentation at the Council meeting. There was a wide spectrum of possibilities, categories and approaches. Ultimately, the goal is to have less staff hours tied to this program as currently 100 hours a year are spent on this program. Vice Mayor Foust suggested bringing an award under Special Orders of the Day quarterly, with volunteers handling the planning. Another Council Member wanted to broaden the criteria for recognition and include associations and neighborhoods. Mayor Gee invited Vice Mayor Foust and Council Howard to get together and review options related to making it broader, not staff intensive, appropriately named, done under Special Orders of the Day, and then provide the options to the full City Council. Dr. Bell spoke about the Downtown Precise Plan and historic homes. There was a discussion about the process and there was general consensus to lengthen the notification period in the ordinance. Dr. Bell also shared improved systems that have been implemented in the Community Development Department to flag these types of properties. Vice Mayor Foust acknowledged to Dr. Bell that staff did everything right on the Warren historic property and she wanted this fact to be acknowledged. Regarding communications on Downtown matters, there was some discussion about messaging and using multiple channels to communicate these projects. There was a discussion about publishing a newsletter for those who rely on hardcopies for information. Dr. Bell will requested additional resources for communication purposes and to support the new Public Communications Manager. There was general support for this approach because Redwood City does not have a local paper. Council next discussed the HSFA (Human Services Financial Assistance) program and Mayor Gee added that this needs to be addressed as part of the budget discussion. Council Member Pierce brought up the fact that the City will be completing its 150tn Anniversary in two years. Mayor Gee believes this matter needs to come before the City Council as an agenda item. Regarding Neighborhood Associations, the Mayor would like to stay more in touch with these groups and use Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center if the need arises. Subsequently, Council discussed the role of the Architectural Advisory Committee and lessons learned. Dr. Bell said that if there is a need for Council to weigh in on design, staff can formulate a process for this. Mayor Gee thanked all participants for their input and in particular Dr. Bell and the facilit r for his work leading up to this event. 5 A OURN —the mee ' g adjourned at 8:32 p.m. u ly submitted, Silvi V e ' den, City r Approved at the City Council meeting on February 23, 2015. SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES February 2, 2015 PAG E 3 MINUTE BOOK NO. 65 Page No. 325