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and other organizations. Council concurred with the idea of a condensed timeline for the CDBG. In regards to the HSFA, Council discussed prior funding levels, the existence or non - existence of a formal agreement with Shelter Network, possibly changing the reserve policy so that if there is 1% excess in reserve funds this to be used to fund such agencies, and phasing out this support after three years. Mayor Ira would like the issue of HSFA funding to go before Council as part of the budget process. There was general consensus with a phased approach to funding HSFA including a 1/3 cut for this year in the amount given out. This would take the funding level to 167K in FY 2010 -2011 (excluding Shelter Network which would be funded at approximately 55K). Staff was directed to look for a written agreement dated from 1990 with Shelter Network but there was a sense that this was an oral understanding and not a definitive contractual obligation. At this point City Manager Bell noted that the Strategic Initiatives item on the agenda would have to be moved to another date due to time constraints. Council took a brief break at approximately 6:15 p.m. The discussion continued on the issue of how valuable these grants are. Some Council Members noted how much the non - profits are able to accomplish with such limited funds. Two Council Members shared their preference to continue funding these agencies because they provide important services to the community. Different opinions were shared about funding for HSFA but there was concurrence that the budget would be cut by 1/3 for the current fiscal year. City Manager Bell confirmed that on the Boards, Commissions and Committee items staff will bring this back to Council in late summer. City Manager Robert B. Bell introduced Susan Barnes, Economic Development Consultant, who provided a brief update to Council on her activities. She explained trends, opportunities and an Action Plan for the City of Redwood City. Ms. Barnes shared financial data as well as her deductions from such data. She emphasized the need for interpretation and querying companies when certain shifts in revenue occur. She covered the following areas: creating an organizational culture that supports economic development, data collection, marketing and other initiatives that will enable Redwood City to be in a more aggressive position. Ms. Barnes provided multiple examples from other jurisdictions on how new businesses decide to move to a certain downtown and what needs to occur at a code and regulatory level to make this more appealing to them. She explained what has been done regarding vacant buildings, prioritize outreach and stakeholders meetings. Ms. Barnes suggested taking the time to sending thank you letters to the top 25 employers in Redwood City as one of many strategies to make businesses feel welcome in Redwood City. Council was appreciative of her report and there was some mention of having Ms. Barnes come to a Council Meeting and share some of this information. City Manager Bell reiterated that the Economic Development Committee will continue working with staff and Ms. Barnes to advance this cause. 5. ADJOURN- the meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m. JOINT CITY COUNCIL /REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD May 11, 2011 MEETING MINUTES PAGE 3 MINUTE BOOK NO. 63 Page No. 317