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Recommendation: <br />Facilitated council discussion on Council priorities including deliberation and consensus <br />on desired adjustments and additions to current priorities and or initiatives. (203) . <br />Mayor Foust provided an overview of what has already been accomplished in Redwood <br />City. She focused on areas such as economic development, sustainability, environmental <br />stewardship, Public safety, code enforcement and overall government operations. <br />Regarding the latter issue of governmental operations, the Mayor focused on the need for <br />succession planning and building a great community together. In this overview, it vas <br />stated that the Council also sits on many regional bodies cornr ittees that set policy that <br />influences Redwood city. Mayor Foust spoke about hove responsive council and staff are <br />to the needs of the community and how this brings her great pride. <br />Regarding arrdin the Priority Setting Session tonight, Mayor Foust, acknowledged hoer far this <br />community has cone in recent years. She reiterated that things that are worthwhile "take <br />tine" and so she sees the priority setting session a a strategic plan process that stays <br />committed and focused' to the big picture goals. She asked for consistency and <br />thoughtfulness from council as it reviews each of the priorities. Her goal is to provide clarity <br />and direction to staff. Mayor Foust introduced the D epartment , Heads present and the <br />consultant team, which included the facilitator for the evening, Dr. Moaning. <br />Dr. Manning outlined the agenda for the evening. It included the following items: objectives, <br />background information to be provided by staff, input from various sources, discussion and <br />deliberation by Council. Brian Ponty, Finance director, provided an overview of the General <br />Fund Financials (presentation on file). Council asked questions regarding expenditures and <br />assumptions. Mr. Ponty responded and clarified that he is conservative in his projections <br />for the benefit of the City. certain projects were discussed, like the Pacific Shores Pair <br />Development. Council shared concerns with recent news about cities in the Bay Area <br />having to file for bankruptcy. The issue of reserves was discussed. Mr. Ponty, provided <br />details on the city policy on reserves and hover Redwood city has reserves to withstand an <br />economic situation that is less than positive. <br />Mr. Ingram, Interim city Manager, addressed the council and provided a situation stets <br />. . <br />H explained that staff will be proposing a "status quo" budget and he reiterated the various <br />steps taken leading to tonight's discussion. Mr. Ingram spoke about the add -backs and the <br />current priorities and each initiative already being enacted under each category. He also <br />provided a summary of the UUT (Utility User Tax) survey from May 200 7. Mr. Ingram <br />provided summaries from the two Community Priority Sessions that were held in January of <br />2008. council asked questions about the specific items listed on the priorities matrix. <br />Department Heads provided clarifications on various items i.e. more detailed descriptions, <br />status of certain items, and history on particular issues. <br />Public comment <br />Celia Lauren, spearing on behalf of Redwood city cool cities, requested that Council enact <br />a green building ordinance. She provided details on what items she would like to see <br />JOINT CITY COUNCIUREDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD MEETIN G FEBRUARY 25, 200 <br />MINUTES PAGE <br />MINUTE BOOK N. 62 <br />Page No. 29 <br />