CC Min 1994-12-19 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

Councilman Sanfilipo thanked staff for their efforts, and stated that the previous Facilities Committee did not bring realignment to the full Council based on the proposed minimum cost of those plans of$2.7 and $2.9 and $4.6 million. Councilman Sanfilipo stated that the cost figures he had done showed the actual construction cost and acquisition of property at $1.6 million, and if that figure had been brought to the Facilities Committee they would have brought it to the full Council. Councilman Sanfilipo stated if Middlefield was closed it would impact El Camino Real to the point to where it was just a parking lot, and this plan keeps 2/3 of the Main/Middlefield Project. Councilwoman Steinfeld spoke in favor of a plaza, and stated her concerns regarding the dangers of driving out of the Library parking lot onto Middlefield, and asked that the other alternatives be brought forward for consideration. Vice Mayor Hartnett stated Mr. Bautista's comments were well taken, Middlefield Road needs attention and Redwood City would benefit by having a plaza, but his concerns could be addressed without realignment of Middlefield Road. Vice Mayor Hartnett said we have come too far, and it was time to move on. MIS: HARTNETT /LA BERGE TO REQUEST STAFF NOT TO GO ANY FURTHER WITH RESPECT TO REALIGNING MIDDLEFIELD ROAD Councilman Sanfilipo stated that his "main concern was that the realignment was not ,- looked at (in such) a way, that 10 months ago if the Facilities Committee saw that the cost was going to be between $1.5 and $2 million instead of$3 to $4.5 million, realignment would have been discussed 10 months ago, and the Council would not be worrying about how far along it was at this point." Mayor Gasparini, former member of the Facilities Committee, stated the price tag 1 0 months ago was not an issue, it was the realignment concept. Mayor Gasparini stated she relied on the EIR for traffic and safety subjects, and those issues could be mitigated without realignment; and decisions should not be based solely on the potential for litigation. Mayor Gasparini, quoting Councilwoman Steinfeld, said, a dollar is a dollar and the Facilities Committee did look at the cost and concept a possible realignment. Councilwoman La Berge, member of the Facilities Committee, stated that the new City Hall will accomplish some of the objectives of a plaza with a nice public place for community events, and the traffic and safety issues can be dealt with without realignment. Councilwoman La Berge said it was time to get on with the City's projects. Councilwoman Howard expressed her concerns regarding having to reconfigure the Main/Middlefield Project and stated that the City might lose as much as 50% of the housing allocated to low and moderate income families and the costs already expended to redesign the new City Hall. Councilwoman Howard said she wanted to have a plaza and mitigate the traffic issues, but the City was too far along to begin anew and spend more of the taxpayers money. MINUTE BOOK NO. 52 Regular Meeting Minutes Page No. 478 December 19, 1994 Page 15 - -