AgdaPkt 2004-09-27 - Laserfiche WebLink

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A. Resolution adopting the "Redwood City Plan and Proposal" for the restoration of Inner Bair Island Mayor Ira explained the background and read portions of the letter from Craig Manson with U.S. Fish and Wildlife and Parks. The letter encouraged close work with the Fish and Wildlife Service to develop a plan that, consistent with refuge purposes, achieves the goals of access for all citizens, environmental education, and conservation of important wildlife and habitat. Mayor Ira commended Vice Mayor Pierce and Council Member Foust for their work on this project. He stated that a public hearing will be held on Wednesday, September 22 at 7:00 p.m. at the Veterans Senior Center, 1455 Madison Avenue, Redwood City. The City will present the plan at that meeting sponsored by both the City and NFWS. Vice Mayor Pierce stated that she and Council Member Foust would be presenting the Redwood City plan and the proposal for the restoration of Bair Island. (PowerPoint presentation on file in the City Clerk Department.) Council Members asked various questions that were answered by Mr. Fawcett of Perkins Coie. Public Comment: Lynne Trulio stated her experience and expressed support in the Council's interest in supporting the Bair Island restoration and the desire to form a cooperative, productive collaboration with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. She stated that a number of the items outlined in the plan appear to be positive for both the City and the Service. She further stated that in the goals section the City might mention coordinating with FWS on dredging to meet the City and Port economic needs wherever mutually agreeable, the trial dog walking policy may work but should be monitored, the features mentioned are not guaranteed to be compatible and so working directly with the FWS would ensure a mutually compatible plan that could then be adopted. Felicia Borrego, Political Director of Save the Bay, the oldest and largest organization that works exclusively to celebrate, protect and restore San Francisco Bay stated that she represents 10,000 members who support the Refuge Plan to restore Bair Island. She stated that the organization has not yet had the opportunity to comment before tonight. The organization is pleased to see that the City plan advocates citizen involvement and education as an active component. Save the Bay is currently working with the Refuge to involve the public in the Bair Island restoration. In addition to education programs, Save the Bay works to ensure public access to the bay shoreline. To provide a safer route and greater accessibility for the students and community volunteers, Save the Bay encourages the Refuge to consider constructing a bridge from the Refuge parking lot to Inner Bair Island as suggested in the City plan. At this time, based on their experience, they think that the bridge from the San Carlos Airport is probably unnecessary. CITY COUNCIL AND REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY SEPTEMBER 13, 2004 JOINT MEETING MINUTES PAGE 8