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Council took a break at 9:07 p.m. Council resumed the meeting at 9:15 p.m. Council asked questions about the teams and how they will be selected. Mr. Hauge said that they will work with people they know and trust and are also going through a Request for Proposal process. Mr. Blake Lyon said that the City has oversight regarding the hiring and will be asked to sign a conflict of interest statement. Council asked about the purpose of the scoping to identify the mitigation measures and to develop a list of alternatives that may have to be put together into a larger alternative. One Council Member noted that there were a number of emails received with questions. Staff said that the intent is to answer and place them on the web for the benefit of all. The consultant explained that on Sept. 22 the process will be reviewed and explored. Questions were asked about the CEQA process and the consultant said that the alternatives will be considered from the City, environment and "possibilities" perspectives. He added that the individual alternatives will be looked at as part of a greater alternative plan. Mr. Hague explained that experts will be at each of these scoping sessions. He also added that the General Plan will also need to be looked at and analyzed for each of its po I icies. The consultant said that alternatives are limited by the developer, and the General Plan. One Council Member wanted confirmation that the developer is paying for all this and staff confirmed. The scoping session and process length were discussed. The consultant explained that people will be able to submit the comments as they come forward. Another Council Member inquired about engagement with State agencies. Mr. Hauge explained that they will connect with federal agencies directly about the whole process and maintain close communication. The robustness of the CEQA process was discussed and staff said that it depends on the people and the engagement. It was mentioned that someone might, five years from now, state that they didn't know this was going on and the consultant said that the best is to share what has been done up to this point. Vice Mayor Aguirre asked for more information on communication and outreach since Council is set on informing and engaging. The consultant explained that staff is able to communicate and have people ready to engage the community and this will be done through one on one meetings. One Council Member explained that he has no regrets in separating this from the General Plan. He is happy that this was done and said the process will provide a vision for this parcel. He wants to know what the community thinks and he invites its participation. He opined that the Council is choosing to review this project because, at the end of the day, it is the Council that will solidify the vision. He welcomes a vigorous debate. Another Council Member wants participation and he believes there is a responsibility on the part of the community to get sufficient information to make a decision. He asks that those who already got to a decision to refrain for those who are still working towards a decision. Another Council Member explained that a public process is not just Council meetings. She believes that this is a true process with a lot of integrity and vision. She appreciated JOINT CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD MEETING MINUTES August 23, 2010 PAGE 10