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City time. Mr. Willis also gave an overview of the initiative and referenda processes. He <br /> raised issues on what affects the initiative would have on the future General Plan in that <br /> changes to the plan which included specified areas in the initiative would require a two- <br /> thirds vote, in the event that the initiative passed. <br /> Planning Manager, Jill Ekas, gave a summary of the proposed amendmenYs possible <br /> impact on the General Plan process. She stated they have been looking into this with the <br /> consulting team for the new General Plan. Mayor Foust asked if the initial analysis of how <br /> to proceed with the 20-month General Plan process could include the costs associated with <br /> any additional costs posed by the initiative passing. Ms. Ekas stated understanding of the <br /> schedule, the scope of work and the budget already in place for the new General plan and <br /> stated the intention was to bring things in within that schedule, but that it was difficult to <br /> estimate the costs if the initiative passed. <br /> Council Discussion <br /> Council noted again the heated nature of discussions regarding this initiative and the <br /> difficulty in staying educated on the issues while at the same time going through the <br /> election process. One Council Member repeated that Council and the City Clerk were <br /> following due process and were not in complete control of the signature verification process <br /> and had the responsibility to place all items on the agenda in a timely fashion as they had <br /> been doing. Council said that the Cargill lands repeatedly arise in the initiative discussion <br /> as a key area, but that other areas of concern arose as unintended consequences. Council <br /> suggested an alternative might be some specific language related to the Cargill property <br /> and have this be the real focus, rather than a larger more cluttered initiative. Council looked <br /> to Mr. Willis for continued clarification on the two-thirds vote ramifications. <br /> Council cited philosophical problems with the two-thirds voting initiative and putting into <br /> place a super-majority process and stressed again better understanding and more clear <br /> language on what effects this initiative has on the General Plan and current City processes. <br /> Council repeated that the dialogue between proponents and opponents needs to stay open, <br /> even to the extent of withdrawing the initiative and working together on coming up with a <br /> more equitable solution. Council noted the importance of getting to the real concerns and <br /> then coming up with something workable for all involved, advisory committees as an <br /> example, and continued dialogue on real interests and viable solutions. Council also noted s <br /> City government was an iterative process. <br /> The City Attorney stated the situation was such that they would want to take a good hard <br /> look at tonighYs additional questions and return on July 7, 2008 with a specific set of <br /> responses. Council stated this would also give proponents and Council time to think about <br /> how to go forward, and in what way. Council again stressed the unintended consequences <br /> involved in this initiative and the need for time to further study and understand them, which <br /> would be allowed if the measure was removed from the ballot at this time by the <br /> proponents. Council thanked everyone for their interest and passion but wished for a more <br /> clear understanding so that everyone could be educated and move forward meeting the <br /> needs of the community on the whole. The Vice Mayor asked for clarification on mis- <br /> statements regarding signature gatherers credentials, and the law on the books regarding <br /> SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL JUNE 30, 2008 <br /> MINUTES PAGE 6 <br /> MINUTE BOOK NO. 62 <br /> Page No. 142 <br />