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Mayor Foust asked the City Attorney to clarify why staff could not bring this back at the last Council meeting as, Mr. Lewis suggested. The City Attorney reiterated the advocates for a position take one opinion while Council and staff have to follow rules and the practicalities of the meeting process and the agenda release timeline made it not infeasible. He stressed that nothing is hidden, and things are said and done and released by staff in a practical and efficient manner. p Andy Frisch voiced respect for Council and wished to comment on the initiative process. He stated the initiative's impacts may be broader than the Salt Works. He voiced concerns that with what he called the anti-democratic components of the initiative. Susan Swope (with extra time conceded by another speaker), expressed her views as a resident against the proposed initiative. She cited concerns over due process, future General Plans, the senior center and economic implications. She stressed the importance of communication between the community and the City, combined with trust in the City Council, carrying out what is best for the community. Bill Heath stated changes in the Charter should be made by super-majority and no less. He asked the City Attorney about the logistics of this if the initiative passed. Bob Mitton, San Mateo County Association of Realtors, voiced concerns regarding property owner rights, zoning and planning if the initiative passes. He stated the initiative also intended to cover lands that are not open space and could result in lawsuits. Arnoldo Arreola, Sustainable Redwood City, stated the initiative does not support the long- term goals of the City. He stated the amendment would bring with it costs to the taxpayers for special elections and/or litigation. Jerry Pierce (with time ceded by Daniel Paley and Lorraine Redmond), founder of Citizens to Protect Redwood City (CPRC) spoke to the age of the Charter and how it has served the public well. He stated projects proceed only after much discussion by Council and departments. He gave further information on CPRC encouraging others to join the group. He explored the unintended consequences for homeowners should the initiative pass. Lynn Chou Jonas stated this initiative affects her home and other homes in her residential area. She stated as a member of a democratic society, along with other members of her community, she has concerns over plans to renovate or develop her home if the initiative passes. Lou Covey, with Sustainable Redwood City, spoke to the ethics of journalists and reporting the truth in educating the public. He stated there was no assault on open space and so he cannot support this initiative. Aaron Yakligian, with Trumark, noted his opposition to the charter amendment and spoke to issues of Docktown and whether or not it is truly an open space site. He stated the initiative was not about improving the community but changing the City's process. SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL JUNE 30, 2008 MINUTES PAGE 4 MINUTE BOOK NO. 62 Page No. 140