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same time. He explained that one item on the agenda required Council action and the other did not. Robin Smith stated that the 1,200 members of the local Audubon Chapter are in favor of the signature verification and want the initiative on the November ballot. Stephen Knight, Save the Bay and the Open Space Vote Initiative, urged Council to place the initiative on the November ballot, in that signatures were valid and Council should not stand in the way of due process and democracy. Mayor Foust clarified that she was holding comments off until Council discussion, but she did speak to the prior comments which insulted Council and Community. She read from the staff report on the review of the petition signatures by the San Mateo County Elections Office and the tight schedule to bring the matter forward to Council. Mark Fassett spoke on the initiative in that seven residents would be specifically affected by it. He stated his home, and six of his neighbors, are listed as park property in the plan, and asked if they could be designated and zoned as residential to clear things up. He spoke against the initiative and its unintended consequences. Andy Frisch stressed this issue was about the human impact of the initiative, and issues where the community is unable to work together. He reiterated the inappropriateness of the disrespect being shown to Council and community members. He stressed the importance of healthy debate and agreeing to disagree but also trusting the City government. Melissa Hippard gave prepared remarks supported by the Sierra Club and voiced its support for the initiative and its open space protective qualities. She opined that the measure provides the voters of Redwood City full power and authority over future development projects. She explained the various species that live in the Cargill site and how this site is critical in restoring bay health. She said that the Sierra Club is proud to be a partner with Redwood City on the Cool City Campaigns. Nancy Keegan spoke on the seven homes that may be erroneously designated as park versus residential if this measure moves forward. She urged a redefinition of these homes if this is indeed the case because of possible unintended consequences. Dave Karow stated that compelling alternatives to the initiative should be looked at in an effort to create something workable for both sides of the issue. Brent Britschgi spoke to the magnitude of the situation, the information being passed out, the disagreements, etc. and stated there is no evidence of an actual development threatening this open space area, thereby stressing the need to pull the whole process together now for a vote. JOINT CITY COUNCIUREDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD JULY 7, 2008 MEETING MINUTES PAGE 6 MINUTE BOOK NO. 62 Page No. 150