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6.1.A. - Page 14 Another Council Member noted that not too long ago the Council attended Emergency Operations Center training and covered catastrophic items and how having money for critical situations is important. A concern was shared about business relocations and what the City is doing to assist business owners that are losing their leases but want to remain in Redwood City. Staff noted it was aware of the situation and is diligently working on it. Mayor Ira appreciated the work of City Manager Bell and Finance Director Ponty especially regarding all the concessions and he believes that everyone trusts them. He opined that these achievements are due to these two players. Dr. Bell summarized the Council direction and what staff is doing around concessions and economic development. He confirmed that he will continue to be very aggressive and staff will come back with more information on the secured property tax and a few other items such as the parking fund and healthcare costs. One Council Member wanted to get confirmation that no lay -offs will occur and that there is no reduction of services. Vice Mayor Aguirre is very proud of the three - pronged approach because it is a better solution than staff reductions. Ms. Ekas, Planning Division Manager, covered the Redevelopment Agency Budget explaining this is a status quo budget. She covered the function of the Agency and its many accomplishments (presentation on file). She explained that staff is storing some possible funds for housing site acquisition. She covered what Council has done to date to protect the RDA. One Council Member inquired about the Bradford site and Jeannie Young, RDA Project Manager, explained that a RFQ (Request for Qualifications) may be issued later this year if the state clears the soil report. Another Council Member would like staff to look at neighborhoods that have some run down properties. He offered to have a conversation with staff about the sites that need attention. One Council Member inquired if we know what activities might be kept and Mr. Bell explained some positions were funded under RDA and he said that this would be analyzed. Mr. Bell added that there are a lot of pieces up in the air. Another Council Member wants to be able to tell the story of how Redwood City has been a good steward of these funds. She would like us to think about the story and how articulate to the residents and how the community has benefited from those funds. Council wanted to take a break at 8:35 p.m. Council resumed at 8:45 p.m. Marilyn Harang, Public Works Superintendent, gave a report on the sewer fund and she provided details on the funds and other items (presentation on file). She provided details on Capital Improvement Program (CIP) contributions. Mayor Ira asked about the amount of savings the sewer fund will have and Mr. Ponty said it is too early to know. Mayor Ira noted that there are old systems in place that may need to be looked at. In fact, he wanted this item to come back. One Council Member noted that we have to tell our story and how these are enterprise funds and raises of rates are to cover very specific capital improvement issues. Another Council Member would like to do a "pay as you go" system. Dr. Bell noted that there is an opportunity for additional public outreach in this area. SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING /BUDGET STUDY SESSION I June 20, 2011 MINUTES 5