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6.1.A. - Page 29 <br /> local treasury, parks and libraries. He opined that people working here cannot afford <br /> live here and he spoke in favor of prevailing wages as being fair and supportive of the <br /> community. <br /> Joshua Hugg, representing the Housing Leadership Council of San Mateo County, <br /> expressed support for creating a nexus point, more inclusiveness, and affordable <br /> housing here. He commented that a majority of those employed in the county have to <br /> commute here from outside of the County and while some might be due to lifestyle <br /> choice, a lot cannot afford to live here. <br /> Julia Older, representing UUFRC.ORG (Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Redwood <br /> City), expressed pride in Redwood City for its diverse community and said that she is <br /> here because she had heard about the small number of affordable housing units for this <br /> project. She said she is a pastor, this issue is high priority, she trusts the City Council, <br /> and she is in favor of the project being approved and going forward. <br /> Edward Evans, representing the Carpenters Union Local 217 of San Mateo County with <br /> 200 unionized carpenters, spoke in support of local households and the need for <br /> prevailing wages for all projects of this size and scope. He opined that this is needed <br /> for local workers to be able to pay their bills and for a sustainable community. He asked <br /> Council to take a stand as their "firewall." <br /> Ron Freeman, a 12-year resident, said he is representing Union Construction Workers <br /> and Occupy Redwood City, and he would like a job here in the community as he is <br /> currently unemployed. He said his child goes to school here, he shops/supports local <br /> businesses in the City, and pays his taxes. He spoke in favor of being able to work for <br /> wages that make it possible for them to keep living here, affordable housing is a <br /> necessity here, and these types of projects should hire union construction workers that <br /> live here like him. <br /> Melanie Roberts said she is a Regional Portfolio Manager with the Prometheus Real <br /> Estate Group, a member of the California Apartment Association, Tri-County Division, <br /> executive board of advisors, and a homeowner neighboring the project area. She <br /> opined that the Urban Housing Group has been appropriately sensitive to and <br /> responsive to all concerns in this collaborative effort and noted that the project had <br /> unanimous Planning Commission approval. She opined that the appeal is inappropriate <br /> and misdirected and spoke about how the Urban Housing Group voluntarily included <br /> affordable housing and the project is in compliance. <br /> Mark Leach, representing International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, spoke in <br /> favor of prevailing wages for local workers who deserve to be able to afford to live here. <br /> He spoke about sustainable communities starting with people, requested respect from <br /> the developer and noted that most people here would be proud to build affordable <br /> housing and to afford to live here. <br /> Mike Swanson, business manager with Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 467 in San <br /> Mateo and speaking on behalf of 1,200 members. He opined that if Council approves it, <br /> they are saying it is okay to bring in out of area workers, to not pay area standards, to <br /> CITY COUNCIL February 13, 2012 <br /> MEETING MINUTES PAGE 9 <br />