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Public Comment: Billy James supported the implied recommendation that the referendum be placed on the November ballot rather than the March ballot, thereby, eliminating the necessity for a Special Election and costs involved. He stated that he is an environmentalist, a bicyclist, a recyclist, a member of the Friends of Edgewood Park, the Adopt -a- Highway program, a member of the American Civil Liberties Union and a member of the Library Commission. He stated that he has been perplexed and disappointed by the opponents of the project and urged the City Council to stick to its guns and spoke to his fellow citizens asking them to examine the issues with far less heat and more life. Gary Saunders, Business Manager for Plumbers & Steamfitters Union #467 in San Mateo County, spoke on behalf of his members in Redwood City and for Bill Nack of the Building Trades Council. He stated that those he represents are in favor of the project and in placing the measure on the November ballot in light of budgetary concerns. He further stated that the opponents of the project should also be in favor of placement on the November ballot in order to have the issue resolved as soon as possible. Pete Hughes stated that Redwood City has been his home for 47 years and he would like the issue settled as soon as possible. Victor Torreano stated that as a Redwood City citizen and business representative of Sheet Metal Workers Local Union #104 stated that the members are looking forward to this project and he urged placing the measure on the November ballot to save the citizens money and provide resolution. Steve Drotos stated that his family has lived here for 12 years and grew up in New York City so has familiarity with high -rises and he is against the project. He stated that this is a perfect area for a marshland and encouragement of environmental rehabilitation and that there is no doubt the proposal would benefit builders and the developer. He urged the City Council to place this on the November ballot because we do have a democracy and the people should vote on this. He urged people to go online and read the information on this topic on the Redwood City website. He stated that there are several environmental and housing issues that have not really been discussed by the developer. One issue he pointed to was that the affordable housing promised for teachers and firefighters does not have to be built in this project, but rather offsite or not built at all. SPECIAL/TELECONFERENCE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MEETING MINUTES AUGUST 5, 2004 PAGE 3 MINUTES Book No. 60 Page No. 285