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Michael Grove opined that Redwood City has a lot of vision and he takes pride in that. He mentioned that his concern is with regard to safety in the area of the Sequoia High School District. He spoke of three objectives regarding the project and hoped the matter could come to Council in an open process. Margaret Rogers spoke on the high school parking project and its impact on Elwood Street, as far as traffic and safety. She asked that for the safety and security of residents the City Council intervene and help. She would like construction to stop, traffic and environmental studies to be done, and that residents be allowed input. Chris Damir spoke in support of the Elwood neighbors and their concerns. He opined that moving this amount of traffic was a significant problem for the area in terms of safety. He believes neighboring streets will be impacted. Jason Culverhouse asked the City to suspend permits on the project by the Sequoia High School. He cited concerns over traffic, and the need for traffic and environmental studies to be completed before work can continue. He submitted a letter, a copy of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) filings, and a detailed list of accidents that occurred in the area. Mike Gabitass urged this matter be put on a Council Agenda. He spoke of the safety concerns in that area for both cars and pedestrians. He asked for a group meeting to work out this issue and other issues that may arise for this neighborhood. Michael Grove (with time ceded by Laura Solano) spoke to moving ahead, positively, on this matter and his hope that this will not take weeks to address. He asked for Council's position in writing, and again stated the three objectives of those concerned (reducing the hazards and risks in the area, open process with Council and a process between the City and School District on a continuing basis). Keith Bautista (with time ceded by Mary Mortenson) commented on the proposed Charter Amendment. He spoke to the democratic process and one vote being equal to another vote. He realizes changing times may result in changes to the City Charter, but does not feel the Charter Amendment is clear in its approach to future change. He opined this is an attack on the existing Charter and the majority voting process. Mayor Foust recognized the high emotions surrounding the issue and asked that everyone involved keep respect and decorum. Council asked the City Manager to clarify what has been going on with the School Districts project thus far. City Manager Ingram stated staff has attended all meetings in this regard. He stated the District changed its plans and staff has been monitoring the construction for any variances JOINT SPECIAL CITY COUNCIUREDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD JULY 21, 2008 MEETING MINUTES PAGE 3 MINUTE BOOK NO. 62 Page No. 158