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Mark McLaren stated that at the last meeting PWS Director Ingram stated he did <br />not have an alternative to alternative "D" available, but it turns out it is alternative <br />~ "E" dated February 22, 2003. He stated that if you propose to only use water east <br />of the freeway, that mainland Redwood City might not be quite as concerned. He <br />asked why that was not presented to the people during the public comment period <br />and stated that Council might consider extending the comment period because all <br />the information was not available. He further stated it seems a lot of people of <br />become upset over a relatively small amount of water. He applauded the task <br />force concept and hopes it is empowered to look at alternatives to recycled water. <br />Chet Yee, Redwood City resident, distributed technical publications and articles <br />and objected to the action taken by Council on July 28. He stated he spoke <br />against the proposed resolutions, especially, opposing the second resolution. In <br />regards to chemicals, especially, potent and harmful prescription drugs continually <br />dumped into toilets, from his point of view as a Director of Pharmacy at the <br />University of California, he is very alarmed at the amount of residue drugs carried <br />in the recycled water being found in many other areas. His concern is also <br />expressed as a member of the board of trustees of the California Pharmacists <br />Association where many pharmacists are encouraging their patients not to dump <br />unused drugs into the toilet because of the potential of having residue chemicals <br />available and then exposed to children in playgrounds being watered by recycled <br />water. He raised the concern in the amount of contact dermatitis, entopic <br />dermatitis, asthma and other allergic symptoms among young children that may <br />or may not be related to the chemicals. He gave an example of a change in <br />project plans in Los Angeles and stated that the community of Redwood City <br />deserves the same. <br />Bob Parkhurst referred to a letter from Dr. David L. Sedlak and transmitted it to <br />Council. Mr. Parkhurst stated that he would not hesitate to use recycled water for <br />all landscapes where children are not exposed. He further stated that he does not <br />feel confident about the playgrounds where children play. The response from Dr. <br />Sedlak was that it is a very emotional issue, is difficult to discuss on a deep <br />scientific level because there is not much data on how children might be exposed <br />on playgrounds. <br />Carl Theobald stated that he and his wife are firmly opposed to the use of <br />recycled water anywhere children are likely to be present and that they are truly <br />fearful of potential harm to their children should such a course of action be <br />pursued. After review of both sides of the argument, he concluded that there is no <br />convincing evidence to demonstrate that recycled water is safe for use in areas <br />where children may be exposed; that alternative solutions have not been entirely <br />researched; and that his opinion is not unique but representative of a large but <br />silent contingent population of many overworked professionals that simply do not <br />REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 11, 2003 <br />MINUTES PAGE 7 <br />MINUTES Book No. 60 <br />Page No. 28 <br />