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consultant initiate phone interviews with Council so that he understands the "direction" and thought process of the current Council. Council envisions that Mr. Bottomley will bring urban design concepts but will be guided by the vision and mission of the Council and the Community. M/S Pierce/Ira to adopt the two Resolutions, and include the Council's views early on the process. Two Council Members absent: Vice-Mayor Claire, and Council Member Jordan. Five Council Members in favor. Motion carried. RDA-MO 01-08 B. Elements of a Successful Downtown - Slideshow by Bruce Liedstrand; 9:05 p.m. Community Development Director Liedstrand invited the Council Members to watch the presentation from the front row of the public seating. Liedstrand stated that he has been working for cities for about 30 years in different capacities, and is looking to share some of what he has learned over the last 3 decades. In his opinion three elements are necessary to build a good city: 1) Planning and Zoning (development standards etc.) 2) Good architecture is also very important 3) City design (how do different pieces of the city fit together to create a cohesive whole). The presentation focused mainly on city design. One of the concepts mentioned was the importance of creating a "comfortable outdoor room" with good things to see, good things to eat and good things to do. Another concept mentioned is imagining oneself in the place that is being designed. It is important to envision the environment that is being created. According to Bruce Liedstrand, building a good Downtown demands the right ingredients in the right amounts. Examples of successful cases were shown. Another good element of a good Downtown is a civic gathering place that can be surrounded by buildings but people can mingle and feel comfortable around it. The walls and buildings help create a "comfortable outside room". The other main issue is people; it is important to plan for them (visible storefronts, pedestrian oriented signs, transportation, etc.). Bruce Liedstrand's final remarks emphasized consideration for people and community, not only by taking the above mentioned concepts in perspective but also by stimulating festivals, and Downtown events that attract the community. He stated "Downtown should be the heart of a City." Mayor Ruskin thanked Bruce Liedstrand for the wonderful presentation, stating that he really appreciated the tools provided to develop a vision. Council Members recognized a member of the Downtown Task Force present in the audience, and thanked this member for the commitment and great work. It was suggested by Council to take this issue to a Study Session to continue the consideration of these principles. A walk through downtown was also mentioned, since it would help integrate the concepts shared tonight with the physical reality of Redwood City. JOINT COUNCIL MEETING June 11, 2001 -- MINUTES PAGE 13 MINUTES Book No. 58 Page No. 435