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General Plan Update. He explained the selection process for the Downtown Task Force and that the Plan will be reviewed by the Planning Commission, and may or may not be modified prior to returning to Counci! for final approval. Interim Community Development Director Liedstrand gave introductory remarks and outlined the process. Downtown Area Task Force Chairperson Bruce Codding introduced the Task Force members Nancy Radcliffe, Gabriella Judd, Walter Moore, Jane Taylor, Inez Jackson, Kevin Armstrong, Mary Tsang and Bob Bryant present in the audience. Chairperson Codding thanked the Council for the opportunity to learn; the excellent consultant retained by the City (EDAW) who worked cooperatively with staff and a number of community groups, boards and commissions along with neighborhood associations. Chairperson Codding proceeded to read along with the PowerPoint Presentation and stated that the purpose of the presentation was to provide an overview of the Task Force's Downtown Area Plan. (Copies of the slides on file in Clerk's Office and on City's webpage.) Public Comment: John Anagnostou congratulated the Task Force and stated that the compilation of information and direction provides more than a starting point for the City. He read into the record a portion of an article from the Business Times. It stated in part, "Davis okays Oakland's fast track development". The article stated that instead of having to come up with a full environmental impact report (EIR) for each new project, some residential and mixed use proposals will be able to use a City master EIR for the downtown area and add information on their development. Mr. Anagnostou commented that Redwood City's next step would be to embrace the Plan and have a plan of action. Dennis Logie stated that he was impressed with the vision presented but that his concern is regarding the downtown churches. He stated that considering the increased number of people planned to reside in the Downtown, he questioned whether the Task Force considered the future role of the seven churches currently in the Downtown. Chairperson Codding stated churches had not been specifically considered in the Plan. Leo Solari asked about the safety considerations of crossing railroad tracks at E1 Camino Real from Whipple and Brewster. Mayor Ruskin stated that Council voted against an underpass at Whipple because the funding was not sufficient to do it correctly. He further stated that the Transportation Authority is still considering the issue and that all the underpasses will be discussed again REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 5,2001 MINUTES PAGE 5 MINUTES Book No. 59 Page No. 44