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In response to Councilman Ruskin's questions, Planning Director Patterson advised that every single employee had input into the design, especially the continuous front counter which will maximize contact with the public by the departments most visited by the public. Vice Mayor Howard echoed Councilman Ruskin's request that when the options are presented to Council they be accompanied by drawings or other visual aids. Vice Mayor Howard stated it was important to maintain the integrity of the building that the people of Redwood City selected during the design competition, and she shared Councilman Ruskin's concerns regarding the look of the building facing Main and Broadway as well as Jefferson and Middlefield. MEMO 12/5/95 C. Public Comment relating to design issues Mayor Hartnett recognized those who wished to speak to this issue. 1. Nick Watry, architect and Redwood City Planning Commissioner, spoke in favor of the project advising that as a Commissioner he had reviewed the plans. Mr. Watry stated that cities are judged by their architecture, opera, symphonies, and fine arts. Redwood City doesn't have a lot of those activities but it was on the verge of greatness, and the proposed design would enhance that process. Mr. Watry asked that the current design be used even it costs a little more, and urged the Council to retain the highest quality possible. 2. Tamara Piulle, Redwood City Civic Cultural Commissioner, spoke in favor of the project stating the original design complemented the Main Library. Mrs. Piulle asked that the architecture not be changed, including the expansion area and Council height limit, but agreed that some of the brick could be eliminated without destroying the integrity of the building. Mrs. Piulle urged the Council to go forward as quickly as possible. 3. Pete Hughes, 18 Admiralty court, Redwood City, stated he would like to see the cost reduced if possible, that $238 per square foot was too expensive. He stated that his house could be reconstructed at $105 per square. Mr. Hughes stated "Redwood City is a working class City" and $150-$175 per square foot would be enough to build an attractive and utilitarian building. Mr. Hughes stated he was embarrassed by the opulent Redwood City Police Facilities. He said City Hall cost savings could be achieved by eliminating the Council Chambers, any marble or wood paneling, expensive furnishings and postponing some of the project to another time. 4. Joe Steinfeld, 850 Main Street, Redwood City, stated the City could not afford the proposed City Hall and it wasn't needed. He stated the public did not have all options available to them to choose from including buying or leasing existing buildings or turning the police facility into a City Hall. Mr. Steinfeld advised that the bidding system should have always included prequalification, and asked the Council to stop the MINUTE BOOK NO. 53 Special City Council Study Session Minutes December 4, 1995 Page No. 458 Page 5