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<br />Mayor Foust asked the City Attorney to clarify why staff could not bring this back at the last <br />Council meeting as, Mr. Lewis suggested. The City Attorney reiterated the advocates for a <br />position take one opinion while Council and staff have to follow rules and the practicalities <br />of the meeting process and the agenda release timeline made it not infeasible. He <br />stressed that nothing is hidden, and things are said and done and released by staff in a <br />practical and efficient manner. <br /> <br />Andy Frisch voiced respect for Council and wished to comment on the initiative process. <br />He stated the initiative's impacts may be broader than the Salt Works. He voiced concerns <br />that with what he called the anti-democratic components of the initiative. <br /> <br />Susan Swope (with extra time conceded by another speaker), expressed her views as a <br />resident against the proposed initiative. She cited concerns over due process, future <br />General Plans, the senior center and economic implications. She stressed the importance <br />of communication between the community and the City, combined with trust in the City <br />Council, carrying out what is best for the community. <br /> <br />Bill Heath stated changes in the Charter should be made by super-majority and no less. He <br />asked the City Attorney about the logistics of this if the initiative passed. <br /> <br />Bob Mitton, San Mateo County Association of Realtors, voiced concerns regarding property <br />owner rights, zoning and planning if the initiative passes. He stated the initiative also <br />intended to cover lands that are not open space and could result in lawsuits. <br /> <br />Arnoldo Arreola, Sustainable Redwood City, stated the initiative does not support the long- <br />term goals of the City. He stated the amendment would bring with it costs to the taxpayers <br />for special elections and/or litigation. <br /> <br />Jerry Pierce (with time ceded by Daniel Paley and Lorraine Redmond), founder of Citizens <br />to Protect Redwood City (CPRC) spoke to the age of the Charter and how it has served the <br />public well. He stated projects proceed only after much discussion by Council and <br />departments. He gave further information on CPRC encouraging others to join the group. <br />He explored the unintended consequences for homeowners should the initiative pass. <br /> <br />Lynn Chou Jonas stated this initiative affects her home and other homes in her residential <br />area. She stated as a member of a democratic society, along with other members of her <br />community, she has concerns over plans to renovate or develop her home if the initiative <br />passes. <br /> <br />Lou Covey, with Sustainable Redwood City, spoke to the ethics of journalists and reporting <br />the truth in educating the public. He stated there was no assault on open space and so he <br />cannot support this initiative. <br /> <br />Aaron Yakligian, with Trumark, noted his opposition to the charter amendment and spoke to <br />issues of Docktown and whether or not it is truly an open space site. He stated the <br />initiative was not about improving the community but changing the City's process. <br /> <br />JUNE 30,2008 <br />PAGE 4 <br /> <br />SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL <br />MINUTES <br />