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310 Communications from the following were noted: E. G. Goddard, 2522 Webster Street, Palo Alto, objecting to increase in rates without evidence of improved facilities. J. W. Newland, 1627 Christina Drive, Los Altos, requesting consideration of several items he felt should be improved in view of increase in rates. Councilman Arnett, Chairman of the Council Marina Committee, reported on their meeting of June 25th and advised that increase in berthing fees amounted to fifteen cents per foot over present rate, and that there had been no increase for about nine years. He indicated it was the Committee's position that this reflected less than the cost of doing business increase, and was reasonable on that basis alone. The Committee also recognized the need for improvements, which cannot be undertaken until sufficient funds are on hand, and funds from the increases will provide a source for such improvements. One of the problems is that of dredging, which the Committee has asked Staff for a dredging master plan, wherein need for dredging would be determined, as well as subsequent requirements over the years to maintain necessary conditions. However, he noted the action in this instance was on the matter of rate increases, and that the improvements were to be considered at a later time. Mr. George McElroy, 207 Park Avenue, San Carlos, appeared as representative of tenants at the Marina, and presented a petition signed by 69 persons relating to deficiencies which they felt exist at the facility. He noted one of the main problems was dredging, and submitted a plot plan of the berthing area, showing soundings taken at 12:30 the previous Saturday at low water. It was his understanding, he said, that when the State rovided funds for loan, the harbor was dredged to -foot depths at mean low water, and that Redwood City was to retain minimum of 5 feet at mean low water. He invited Council to observe on Saturday the 18th at the harbor when there would be a minus low tide, and it would be impossible to move the boats. He added that some of the racing sailboats are kept in a chemical bath, which is damaged by mud at low tide, and is costly to replace. He indicated a number of other criticisms, such as weight limit of the hoist, the proximity of the treatment plant, insufficient patrol of the area, the advent of the new restaurant with added parking problems, and others. In the responses by Council, it was the general feeling that the judgment was harsh, and entirely negative. It was pointed out that Redwood City tax payers participated in making the harbor a pleasant place to have boats, and also that it was not intended to be exclusively for that purpose. Council also noted that there is no restriction against non-residents; also that many people who enjoy the harbor can only participate from a spectator standpoint. Improvements over the past five years were indicated, although this apparently goes unrecognized by the boat owners. Staff was asked to