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Mayor Foust prefaced the public comment and framed it in such a way that Council is not directing and/or managing the outcome. She stated Council and the community were working together and Ciry Attorney Yamamoto would answer questions that arose. She asked for respect, patience and understanding from all involved. City Attorney Yamamoto gave an overview of what occurred at the April 14, 2008 meeting. Mr. Yamamoto pointed out the proposed measure was conceived and written by private parties and staff was not engaged in this effort. His staff report and analysis spoke to questions raised by the community and Council at prior meetings. He stressed private property owners with specific interests should seek out their own expert legal advice and not solely rely on comments made. Council asked if areas could be marked/shown on the map for the areas mentioned in the report. Council asked for clarifications on the colors and shading on the map, and this was done by a member of the Planning Division. Public Comment Mayor Foust read comments by community member, Robert Hoffman, a long-time community member with extensive community involvement. He expressed support for the 50/50 proposition and stated it was a win-win proposition. He stressed that the acres in controversy would not make a large dent in what would be restored to the bay. James Jonas, with time donated by Lynn Chou Jones, noted the report and the maps were confusing. He stated the report was not trivial, but deep, and required in-depth reading to be understood. He stated Docktown was affected as it was on the tidal plain. He noted he was not for or against the initiative, per se, but that he would rather trust the Council's continued processes and decision-making. Glen Arvin raised concerns about the initiative and opined that a democracy goes with the majority, while a two-thirds vote does not. He stated this was not necessary for the continued trust in the City Council's process and in keeping with a majority rule. Frank Bartaldo agreed the issue was confusing. He stated it allowed veto by a small group to affect what the majority or Council might otherwise rule. On behalf of the business communiry, he stated he trusted the intelligence of the elected and appointed officials to make decisions and did not support the initiative. Peggy Bruggman voiced support for the charter amendment. She directed her comments to the staff report. She stated despite opposition, the report is clear on where the initiative is to be applied. She did disagree with the report's discussion regarding the senior center and where it fits in this initiative plan and language. John Nelson stated confusion over what the initiative will or will not protect. He worried that the initiative may impede improvements needed in other areas. He asked if the real agenda was to stop building places for people to live. He stated elections would also come at a cost to the community. As an ambassador of the Chamber of Commerce, he stated they were against the initiative as well. CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MAY 19, 2008 MINUTES PAGE 7 MINUTE BOOK NO. 62 Page No. 102