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6.1.A. - Page 13 interest in downtown, and staff commented that there is great, acute interest from the developer community. Another Council Member agreed with the RFQ process and he described what he would also include as important elements specifically: financial capability, conformance with existing rules, and bonus points for housing and innovation. Public Comment Gita Dev appreciated the Council's discussion and suggested a competition for the RFQ without guidelines to allow for greater creativity. She opined that there are too many cars in downtown to make it a truly pedestrian experience. One Council Member suggested either divorcing the sites or merging them. Mayor Ira believes time is of the essence and he wants to move quickly with this. He wants to set up a Council sub - committee with Council Members Gee and Seybert so this does not linger but gets moved along. Mr. Bell noted that this is a top priority for the City and Council and it will come back to Council within 90 days. He noted that there was agreement on doing some clean -up of the City Charter. Mayor Ira said that the Charter Committee needs to be resurrected to see what other edits will be placed on the ballot. Council consensus was to go with option #2 and pursue an RFQ (Request for Qualifications) process with some Charter clean -up. C. Receive Report and Provide Direction Regarding Proposed Ballot Measures Increasing Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and Business License Tax Recommendation: By motion direct staff to prepare documents necessary to place measures on the November 8, 2011, ballot to increase Redwood City's Transient Occupancy Tax and Business License Tax. MINUTE ORDER #11 -074 Mr. Brian Ponty, Finance Director, presented a report (presentation on file) on the subject of placing two measures on the ballot. Staff will return with resolutions at the June meeting to place this on the ballot. Mr. Ponty noted that public outreach has been done and staff is unaware of any opposition. The Chambers Governmental Relations Committee has recommended approval by the Chambers Board. He provided specifics about the increases. One Council Member wanted to do a lot of outreach to the businesses that are not members of the Chambers. Mayor Ira confirmed that they are aware and will continue to address the other businesses. Another Council Member noted that the dialogue should include small businesses but the real picture needs to be shown as to how little has been raised in the last 17 -years and comparing and contrasting with other communities. This Council Member would also like to have a chart breakdown of what businesses contribute to the General Fund and what that pays for. She reminded everyone that the City cannot use public funds in this cause and that it must be done in their private time. She opined that this is like a Cost of Living adjustment. JOINT CITY COUNCIUREDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD May 23, 2011 MEETING MINUTES PAGE 13