AgdaPkt 2003-05-12 - Laserfiche WebLink

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REPORT:_M To the Honorable Mayor and City Council From the City Manager May 12, 2003 Subject Investigating the Possibility of Reopening Access to Redwood Shores Levees Recommendation It is recommended that the City Council approve the attached contract with Mr. Buzz Fawcett to explore the possibility of getting public access to Redwood Shores Levees Background Sections of the Redwood Shores Levees have been closed to public access since March 2000. The City closed the levees based on an agreement it signed with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife ( USFWL) as a quid pro quo for being allowed to raise the levees to prevent potential flooding in Redwood Shores. The City worked with consultant Mr. Terry Huffman to try to convince USFWL that there was solid science that would allow some public access while still protecting the endangered species in the area. Recently, Mr. Huffman introduced Mr. Buzz Fawcett to Council members Colleen Jordan and Barbara Pierce, and myself. Mr. Huffman felt Mr. Fawcett might be able to fashion an approach that would provide some public access without endangering either habitat or species in the area. Mr. Fawcett has a history and style of getting all stakeholders together to reach solutions to tough problems. He believes there is a possibility of getting all stakeholders (Audubon Society, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, Corps of Engineers, residents of Redwood Shores and recreational groups) to develop a solution that provides public access with conditions that protect endangered species. His approach is consistent with the Council's values of inclusion of all parties. He certainly cannot guarantee success and he does not come to this situation with a specific solution in mind that he is trying to sell. Rather he believes that the groups involved should develop a solution that is acceptable to all parties. He is proposing a contract with a not to exceed figure of $30,000.00 plus expenses, and believes he will know if there is a workable plan within a six month period of time. Alternative Do not make any additional efforts to open up the levees to the public in Redwood Shores.