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Ralph Nobles, Friends of Redwood City, commends the City Council for placing item 7.13 on the Council agenda because that item concerns -a timely matter that has already received a great deal of discussion in selected environmental circles in the city. His comments focused, primarily, on the Cargill Salt Ponds that consists of approximately 1,400 acres of historic San Francisco Bay Tidal Wetlands. The EIS authorizing the 1988 expansion of the S.F. Bay National Wildlife Refuge includes these lands and identified them as essential wildlife habitat important to the environmental health of S.F. Bay. These lands are under the jurisdiction of BCDC, classified under the Federal Clean Water Act; are under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers; and have a general plan designation of Open Space and a zoning of Tidal Plain. Friends of Redwood. City recommends that the City Council place an initiative on the November ballot requiring a vote of the people before the plans can be rezoned and permit any increased use of development and plans. An initiative of this nature would not change the zoning nor the zoning overlay, but only the policy by which the zoning could be changed. Robert Siusser of the Peninsula Celebration Association thanked and commended the City staff and the departments for support of the July 4 Parade and activities. He further stated that 'the PRCS department and Commission won the sweepstakes award for the best float and presented the award for that achievement. He encouraged all to attend next year's event which will honor the San Mateo County 150 anniversary. David Menche stated his concerns with the recent work on the sidewalks and trees near the sidewalks thanking Council Members for various levels of support with his issues. He stated his main concern involves the concrete work done on both Bristol Way and Sussex in February that was not cured properly and is defective. He further stated that he requested remedy from PWS and was told that the width of his driveway ramp would be reduced according to the strict letter of the code. He stated that his waiver of this requirement was denied and asked Council to investigate the policy. He also asked for study of the root pruning policy citing a 750% increase in tree failures leading to a health and safety' issue. Rich Schouboe resides in the Mezes Park portion of the Centennial neighborhood and a few blocks from Mr. Frog's bar and spoke of the difficulties the neighborhood is experiencing. He mentioned the recent shootings at the' bar and thanked the City for its support and cooperation while asking for continued support while the neighborhood works with Mr. Frog's to resolve the problems created by this business. Citing the diversity of the neighborhood he stated that its success due to the concern for each other, the shared vision of making it safe for all and the respect for, each others differences. Mr. Frog's has shown little concern, : no commitment to safety and considerable disrespect for its neighbors. He cited various issues aside from the recent shootings such as fights, increased trash, public urination and groups of patrons blocking sidewalks. Council support was requested as the neighborhood JOINT MEETING JULY 11, 2005 CITY COUNCIL AND BOARD OF EQUALIZATION PAGE 3 MINUTE ORDER BOOK NO. 60 Page No. 521