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Mr. Church reiterated that the only two active projects at the moment are the ones previously mentioned above. Agency Members Comments: Agency Members commented on how hard it is to balance priorities and please the people. Some agency members apologized for any miscommunication that might have occurred because of the City's mailings. However, the City is very committed to improving communication with the community and for that reason is hiring a Communications Specialist. It was clarified that the developer reimburses the City for all funds spent during Eminent Domain, so the City has no real gain from the process. Some Agency Members expressed sadness because some members of the public seemed to distrust the Council in regard to powers of Eminent Domain, and assumed that the Council would not understand the implications of Eminent Domain. The Council is very committed to meeting needs of the community by looking at the broader picture. It was stated that many residents have wondered about Council efforts to build affordable housing, transportation, community services, and the Council members are very aware of these needs and are trying to respond to the needs. A Council Member stated that the Redevelopment Agency helps the Council meet some of these needs and address blight. Council does not believe in terrifying people to make them show up, every body has the responsibility to keep themselves informed and aware of what is going own in our city. Agency Members stated that the Redevelopment Agency is a tool to provide affordable housing and the Council Members do not take this issue lightly. Agency Members stated that in order to meet the needs of the community the Redevelopment Agency serves as a tool. Additionally, as developers want to come into the City, the City is able to demand that a certain portion be allocated for housing. The history of this and prior Councils shows how seriously Eminent Domain is viewed. However, the goal is to design the Downtown with great transportation, services and some affordable housing; this can only be accomplished with the help of the Redevelopment Agency. M/S Hartnett/Ira Motion to Adopt Resolution and Override Written Objections Received. Discussion: Agency Members mentioned that the Notice was very upsetting, false and misleading but the positive aspect is that it did bring many people to the Council meeting to express their views. Agency members said they value the public participation in this process, and hope that people continue to get involved in the City and people business. Some agency members defended that the primary purpose of the Redevelopment Agency is to give people opportunity; and Eminent Domain is very seldom used. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 25, 2001 MINUTES PAGE 9 M1NUTES Book No. 58 Page No. 445