AgdaPkt 2000-02-07 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

8. A collective effort be made to channel e-mail, faxes and letters to key elected officials and others in the effort to communicate. Council Member Pierce requested an additional point of providing information as to where people can direct letters, faxes and comments so the various agencies and legislators involved understand what the community is interested in including additional support from the other cities. Council Member Jordan asked that City Attorney Schricker correct the misstatements made by a previous speaker. City Attorney Schricker referenced the 60-day notice of intent to sue which is legally required as a predicate to filing a lawsuit under the endangered species act. Mr. Schricker gave the history on the issue explaining that both outside counsel used early on and the sub-committee were unable to achieve progress beyond the current stalemate. Council Member Jordan stated she would be voting against the bid for building the gates because voting against the gates. She stated, however, that the City would be on the way to breaking additional conditions of the BCDC permit and a vote to put up the gates would be blatantly adding additional violations to the BCDC permit if some already exist. She stated that staff had previously worked very hard on behalf of the 150 feet for the Lido development to get it right up against the levee and not to keep the levees open resulting in the situation that currently exists. Council Member Hartnett stated his assessment of the matter and that the Council should elevate to more of a political discussion in trying to get agreement on practical alternatives. Council Member Ira stated he wants to take the action that will be in the best interest of maintaining access but also sought clarification on what will occur if Fish & Wildlife will not negotiate. Council Member Howard referred to comments from Mr. Spence indicating that the perception from U.S. Fish and Wildlife is that Redwood City has not shown good faith with the terms and conditions of the permit. She stated that meeting with Congressman Lantos after Council's affirmative vote could show reasonableness and good faith. Council Member Pierce asked the member of the Audubon Society if the Society would be supportive of the City's efforts to pursue an active predator management program of having the levees open to access during the day and making someone responsible to be sure there are no dogs on the levees. Sequoia Audubon Society Spokesperson responded she could not offer an opinion without discussion with the board, but mentioned she would bring up the subject to the board. Vice Mayor Claire supported the motion due to the fact that he along with the Sequoia Audubon Society and U.S. Fish and Wildlife believe the City is not upholding the laws of REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 24,2000 PAGE 9 .---.-., '-';------'-------T .