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4. PUBLIC COMMENT - None. 5. New General Plan Kick -off: Review Work-to-Date; Facilitated Discussion of Guiding Principles and Topics of Key Interest; Public Outreach and Next Steps Mayer Foust provided a brief introduction of the topic at hand. She thanked the community for corning out in such large numbers and explained the significance of a new General Plan for the co mmunity. The Layer further stated that the City Council had just approved contract for approximately ately $ million dollars for this 18 to 20-month process. While she acknowledged the large price tag, she said that she and the Council viewed this as an investment In the future of this community. Mayor Foust shared that the total cost of a new General Plan, amortized by the number of residents, equates to $1 8.50 per resident. Jill Ekas, Planning Manager, thanked the public for attending the Joint session and Kick -off event. Ills. Ekas introduced members of the consultant team, namely Laura stetson, senior Project Planner with Hogle-Ireland, Inc. Julie Ortiz, Task Manager with Circle Point and John Cook, with Circle Point. Ms. Ekas provided a brief overview o f past work done on a General Plan update, and substantiated the need and timeline of this more comprehensive approach, which is the new General Plan. 11r. Passan si, Principal Planner, elaborated on what the General Plan will be and hoer the State of Californian requires it. He provided information o the seven required elements or topics adding that optional elements may be added (presentation on file). Ms. Ekas outlined the elements currently included in the City of Redwood City's new General Plan, she further explained that this is a City process and the Council and staff are looking for public involvement. The consultant led ar public input session seeking areas and topics that the community wants to see lacked at. The public provided input and shared many ideas, concerns, and possibilities. Some of the themes brought forth by the public present were: environmental (including sustaina.bility, creeks and green transportation), socio- ecnornic (including ar diverse population, social justice, and housing), and long -team planning (including global warming, flexible infrastructure, and disaster preparedness). Additional topics alluded to b members of the public included: circulation and housing needs, maintaining and improving the quality of life in Redwood City, and protecting community resources. Comments were made about the Cargill sa.ltworks site and a prospective application. Staff said that this project would have its own public process. The City Council and the Planning Commission also shared some o f their thoughts about the process, reiterated some o f their positions, and posed questions. Some of the topics mentioned by members bers of these two bodies included: sustainability and transportation, blighted areas, partnerships with private and non - profit organizations, disaster preparedness, and finding a middle ground versus the "my way" " approach. Council Members and Planning Commissioners alike expressed their enthusiasm at having a packed Council Chambers. ,JOINT CITY COUNCIL AND PLANNING COMMISSION ,JANUARY 30, 2008 SPECIAL MEETING PAGE MINUTES MINUTE BOOK NCB. 62 Page