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Cynthia Denny, spoke on protecting the San Francisco Bay and the bay lands. She spoke to a similar work done by the Sierra Club regarding wetlands preservation. She stated appreciation for Council's efforts towards a countermeasure but that she was still in support of the ballot initiative. Lou Covey, agreed with previous speakers in that wetland restoration is needed but he opined that the Open Space Initiative would not accomplish this. He stated he was behind the efforts of the Council in getting the countermeasure on the ballot and he supports it. Pat Dixon was present to speak on the jail issue, but also stated her disappointment in hearing that the Audubon Society and Sierra Club are behind the Charter Amendment. Ralph Nobles, CEO of the Open Space Vote Initiative, spoke on the Council's concerns over the unintended consequences of this initiative. He stated that he may personally be willing to consider supporting an alternative countermeasure dealing with the Cargill lands; provided that the countermeasure retains all the rest of the language of his initiative and if there was a high degree of certainty that a shared measure would survive the legal challenges. He stated that they have been advised and assured by their attorneys that their measure does not have any unintended consequences and that any measure that deals with a single land parcel or land owner would in all likelihood be thrown out by the courts. Melissa Hippard, spoke on behalf of the Sierra Club's local chapter, and stated she appreciated the Council's interest in working with the environmental community in finding a solution for protecting open space and parks. On review of the City's countermeasure she, however, felt that the Open Space Initiative provides the best protection for these areas. Marianna Raymond, commented that beyond what had been said by the previous environmental groups, she followed the Cargill issue, she considered both sides, and she personally found that the Charter Amendment is solid, strong and legal. Lynne Trulio (minutes ceded to her by Jo LaClair) congratulated the City on a recent award and its focus on the downtown area. As a member of Friends of Redwood City she spoke to the concerns raised regarding the Initiative. She stated some or many of these potential concerns are listed in the countermeasure. She stressed, too, that legal questions have been asked regarding the Initiative. She gave an overview analysis of the Initiative, including which if any items would require a vote of the people, using the Senior Center and waste water treatment plant, as examples. She spoke on zoning and land use designations. She stated the City should take action to designate park lands in the General Plan with zoning specifics in that regard, as well as redesignating any residential properties which are now shown to be on park lands. She opined a countermeasure is unnecessary because the Initiative still provides the best protection for the Open Space. She asked the Council to place the matter on the November ballot. JOINT SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD JULY 21, 2008 MEETING MINUTES PAGE 7 MINUTE BOOK NO. 62 Page No. 162