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4. PUBLIC COMMENT - None. 5. New General Plan Kick-off: Review Work-to-Date; Facilitated Discussion of Guiding Principles and Topics of Key Interest; Public Outreach and Next Steps Mayor Foust provided a brief introduction of the topic at hand. She thanked the community for commg out in such large numbers and explained the significance of a new General Plan for the community. The Mayor further stated that the City Council had just approved a contract for approximately $1.5 miltion dottars for this 18 to 20-month process. White she acknowledged the large price tag, she said that she and the Council viewed this as an investment in the future of this community. Mayor Foust shared that the total cost of a new General Plan, amorUzed by the number of residents, equates to $18.50 per resident. Jilt Ekas, Planning Manager, thanked the pubHc for attending the Joint Session and Kick-off event. Ms. Ekas introduced members of the consultant team, namely Laura Stetson, Senior Project Planner with Hogle-Ireland, Inc. Julie Ortiz, Task Manager with Circle Point and John Cook, with Circle Point. Ms. Ekas provided a brief overview of past work done on a General Plan update, and substantiated the need and timeline of this more comprehensive approach, which is the new General Plan. Mr. Passanisi, Principal Planner, elaborated on what the General Plan will be and how the State of California requires it. He provided information on the seven required elements or topics adding that optional elements may be added (presentation on file). Ms. Ekas outlined the elements currently included in the City of Redwood City's new General Plan. She further explained that this is a City process and the Council and staff are looking for public involvement. The consultant led a public input session seeking areas and topics that the community wants to see looked at. The public provided input and shared many ideas, concerns, and possibilities. Some of the themes brought forth by the public present were: environmental (including sustainabitity, creeks and green transportation), socio-economic (including a diverse population, social justice, and housing), and long-term planning (including global warming, flexible infrastructure, and disaster preparedness). Additional topics alluded to by members of the public included: circulation and housing needs, maintaining and improving the quality of life in Redwood City, and protecting community resources. Comments were made about the Cargitt Sattworks site and a prospective apptication. Staff said that this project would have its own public process. The City Council and the Planning Commission also shared some of their thoughts about the process, reiterated some of their positions, and posed questions. Some of the topics mentioned by members of these two bodies included: sustainabitity and transportation, blighted areas, partnerships with private and non-profit organizations, disaster preparedness, and finding a middle ground versus the "my way" approach. Council Members and Planning Commissioners alike expressed their enthusiasm at having a packed Council Chambers. The following suggestions were also made: integrate and coordinate the City's General Plan work with San Mateo County's work especially in the North Fair Oaks area, provide clarification on the relationship between the General Plan and zoning, and provide clarity on how a General Plan gets amended. The City Council and Planning Commissioners REGULAR etTY COUNCtl MEETtNG MINUTES JANUARY 30, 2008 PAGE 2