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Mr. Bill Ekern, Director of Community Development, said that this letter is for Council review and he believes it is important to state the real implications of this issue. He noted certain issues that will conflict with Redwood City's downtown plan. Council Member Foust asked City Attorney Thompson if she has to recuse herself. Ms. Thompson said that she does not have a conflict and she researched the rules and Ms. Foust is not conflicted out because of her husband serving on the High Speed Rail Authority Board. City Attorney Thompson asked for confirmation that Ms. Foust will stand on her own and she has her own opinions and Council Member Foust confirmed this fact. This Council Member made mention of a presentation to the Transportation Authority Board on the issue of the Dumbarton Rail and the funding of the continuation of the environmental study for it. Mr. Ekern said that staff has had some discussions and they are reaching out. Another Council Member added that he is seeing the silos breaking down and staff is talking about challenges and opportunities in all three issues — High Speed Rail, Dumbarton Rail, and Caltrain Electrification. He noted that credit should be given to the Caltrain Board for hitting the restart button, making a new business plan, and using a blended plan that is a much more realistic approach. Another Council Member appreciated the content of the letter and he too supports the blended approach. Council spoke highly about the letter and its content. M/S Foust/Bain to approve the contents of the letter. Motion carried unanimously by electronic vote. MINUTE ORDER 11-204 9. MATTERS OF COUNCIL INTEREST A. City Council Member Report of Conference/Meeting Attendance B. City Council Members Reports of Conferences/Meetings Attended Council Member Foust thanked Mr. Ekern for his work load and the plethora issues he has addressed since joining Redwood City in August. Vice Mayor Gee provided a brief update from the flooding subcommittee and how it met with staff and the next meeting will take place in January 2012. He reported that staff has been holding stakeholders' meetings, and he is excited that in two to three years, there might be a plan to address this important issue. Council Member Ira talked about the garbage rate increase and he wants to have this studied carefully because our rates are not as high as everybody else and he still wants to know how we can effectively charge for garbage services and still encourage people to participate in diversion. C. City Manager (Oral) Update Dr. Bell stated that the ice rink is still open for skating and all are invited to enjoy it and he shared the schedule of operation. 10. ADJOURN —M/S Seybert/Ira to adjourn the meeting at 9:06 p.m. in memory of Gene E. Clark. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote. JOINT CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD December 12, 2011 MEETING MINUTES PAGE 11 MINUTE BOOK NO. 63 Page No.447