CC MIN 2015-04-20 Special Town Hall

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into account the state of the apartment building where it's like an oven in summer and a freezer in the winter. 5. STUDY SESSION/TOWN HALL MEETING This is an opportunity for residents and community members to share with the City Council issues of concerns. As there is no formal agenda and no agendized items, and in accordance with the Brown Act, the City Council may listen only, and is not allowed to take any action. Mayor Gee thanked all the speakers and the translator. He encouraged those present to speak with staff present regarding various initiatives and suggestions. Council Member Bain said he is aware of the rent issues and he appreciated people coming here tonight. He values residents at all income levels and it is important to him that we keep people here in the city, safe, and he respects all different professions. He does not think that rent control is the answer but that incentives can be used to help keep rent low. He supports hourly wages of $15/hour should that be approved throughout the bay area. He spoke about building heights and he said the City used to have an overarching guideline on aesthetics and he believes it should be reinstituted. He shared his disappointment with some of the buildings and while he expected the Precise Plan to play out 10-15 years it played out faster than expected. Vice Mayor Foust thanked everyone for coming this evening and she asked speakers to leave contact information as there are resources that staff can connect residents with. Regarding the water concerns she explained that the Public Works Director can provide further details on the concerns expressed. She spoke about current partnerships between private and public and how there is a transportation demand management program required for all employers who move into town. She expressed her thanks to those who showed up and she appreciates hearing from the residents. Council Member Howard thanked everyone for coming tonight and she agreed with Vice Mayor Foust's comments. She addressed the issue of recycled water looking at every opportunity for members of the public to get water for their trees. She said the City has made a multimillion investment in recycled water and that was thanks to prior leadership. Council Member Howard mentioned HEART (San Mateo Housing Endowment and Regional Trust) and how much that organization is doing as well as Habitat for Humanity. On another note she mentioned that the City is working on accessory dwelling units and she finds that our diversity is one of our biggest strengths. She values multiple income levels, diversity and housing affordability. Mayor Gee received additional speaker cards and public comment was provided. Alison Madden advocated that Council take great consideration regarding Docktown, noting that there has been a Marina in Redwood City for the past five decades. She said that there is now a San Francisco law firm - Morrison and Forrester - that is meeting with the State Lands Commission and staff regarding regulations that they were not really aware of that does support mixed commercial, recreational, and residential use on the Marina on State Lands and Redwood Creek. She said Redwood Creek is State Lands and the management of which has been granted to the City with a lot of very low, low and moderate income households there. She opined that everyone SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL/STUDY SESSION/TOWN HALL April 20, 2015 MEETING MINUTES MINUTE BOOK NO. 65 PAGE 4 Page No. 376