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Juan Carlos Prado, Bay Area Gardeners Association President, stated opposition to the amendment in keeping with statements made at prior meetings. Janet Borgens stated she respects the ballot initiative process but takes issue with certain petition gatherers' behavior and their ability or lack thereof to explain the proposed amendment in order to solicit signatures. She stressed the importance of community involvement and education with regard to the initiative, consequently she opposes it. Jack Castle, long-time community member and business owner, stressed his love and involvement in the community and does not support the amendment. He cited the need for future housing. He spoke to the advertisement and bullet points put forth by the supporters of the initiative and also the need for a close look at the signatures. David Amann expressed concern over the super-majority requirement in the Open Space initiative. He opined it is un-democratic and stressed the need to keep the current City process and current Charter. John Nelson spoke to the petitioners' efforts to solicit signatures, and community members who later felt they were not fully informed before signing. Merrily Robinson appreciates Council's involvement but spoke to the fact that she was a signature gatherer and experienced and gathered many signatures from members of the community who were genuinely for the initiative. She cited other changes in history similar to this proposed change of the City Charter. Lynne Trulio, with Friends of Redwood City, also acknowledged Council's hard work at understanding the initiative issue. She was also involved in the petition gathering efforts and spoke to the support of members of the community who signed the petition. Mayor Foust thanked everyone who commented. Council took a ten-minute break at 8:00 p.m. and returned at 8:10 p.m. City Attorney Yamamoto stated he had no formal presentation, beyond his distributed report, but hoped everyone would understand the limitations that befall elected officials when it comes to ballot questions, and he deferred to outside counsel, Tom Willis to discuss this matter. Special Counsel for the City, Tom Willis, reminded Council and all involved as to the use of public funds as being overseen by strict state rules, including in the event of this initiative's passing. He stated Council is not prohibited from expressing views outside City Hall, but without using public funds. He stressed the importance of the City continuing to study the initiative and that Council may offer a ballot argument in opposition and/or support. Mayor Foust asked for clarification on Council's response to proponents or opponents asking for support and Mr. Willis reiterated they cannot express personal support of the issue on City Hall time or with City Hall funding. He stated they can endorse and or deny the measure as a Council on the whole, but he did not recommend singular response on City time. Mr. Willis also gave an overview of the initiative and referenda processes. He SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JUNE 30, 2008 PAGE 5