AgdaPkt 2003-06-02 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council Member Pierce gave the background on the topic of working with the various groups on achieving more access on the levees. At this point it is an important subject, but given the budget situation, it is a subject that needs some boundaries around it. Council Member Jordan stated that it is important to find a way to get the levees open again but not at the expense of any group of people. She stated that Mr. Fawcett has a history of taking disparate groups of people and finding solutions that are win -win. City Manager Everett stated that the funding occurs through the GID where a fund is being drawn down to restore all the levees in the Redwood Shores area. Public Comment: Robin Smith reiterated the Sequoia Audubon Society's position stating that it is premature to consider any changes in the levee closure. She pointed out that the configuration of the Corte Madera marsh is very different from the area in the Redwood Shores area where the birds come up to use it for refuge. She further stated that the levee closure section of the rehab project was put in place as a benefit to the endangered species living out board of the levee behind SBSA. She stated that it is too early to determine any substantive results and that the levee closure has not been well enforced. She stated that the position of the Audubon Society has always been very clear and is not open to negotiation. Pete Hughes stated that the Corps of Army Engineers stated the levees height needed to be increased so that homes in Redwood Shores would not flood. He further stated that after years of the City struggling to get Fish and Wildlife to approve something, it was finally agreed that it would be fenced off. He urged the Council to vote yes on the topic. Patricia Dixon stated her recollection that the bird lookouts were to be compensation for re- opening the levees. She asked why pickup trucks are allowed to be in the area, but walkers are not. Ray Wang stated that it is important to have environmental protection for the species in that area, but the levee issue has been a sore subject for a very long time. In looking at the resume and information it appears that there may be a potential for a win -win situation. Recommendation: M/S Ira /Jordan to approve the attached request with Mr. Buzz Fawcett to explore the possibility of getting public access to Redwood Shores Levees. The motion passed by a unanimous voice vote by those present. MINUTE ORDER 03 -106 Vice Mayor Ira left the dais due to a conflict of interest related to his clients owning _ property adjacent to the retail /cinema project. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING May 12, 2003 MINUTES PAGE 7