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Edward Evans, representing the Carpenters Union Local 217 of San Mateo County with 200 unionized carpenters, spoke in support of local households and the need for prevailing wages for all projects of this size and scope. He opined that this is needed for local workers to be able to pay their bills and for a sustainable community. He asked Council to take a stand as their "firewall." Ron Freeman, a 12-year resident, said he is representing Union Construction Workers and Occupy Redwood City, and he would like a job here in the community as he is currently unemployed. He said his child goes to school here, he shops/supports local businesses in the City, and pays his taxes. He spoke in favor of being able to work for wages that make it possible for them to keep living here, affordable housing is a necessity here, and these types of projects should hire union construction workers that live here like him. Melanie Roberts said she is a Regional Portfolio Manager with the Prometheus Real Estate Group, a member of the California Apartment Association, Tri-County Division, executive board of advisors, and a homeowner neighboring the project area. She opined that the Urban Housing Group has been appropriately sensitive to and responsive to all concerns in this collaborative effort and noted that the project had unanimous Planning Commission approval. She opined that the appeal is inappropriate and misdirected and spoke about how the Urban Housing Group voluntarily included affordable housing and the project is in compliance. Mark Leach, representing International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, spoke in favor of prevailing wages for local workers who deserve to be able to afford to live here. He spoke about sustainable communities starting with people, requested respect from the developer and noted that most people here would be proud to build affordable housing and to afford to live here. Mike Swanson, business manager with Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 467 in San Mateo and speaking on behalf of 1,200 members. He opined that if Council approves it, they are saying it is okay to bring in out of area workers, to not pay area standards, to not provide health care benefits, and to ignore environmental concerns. He said it is the duty of Council to represent the community and he asked Council to oppose the Urban Housing Group's project. James Lee, a media spokesperson for Occupy Redwood City, spoke in support of their "labor brothers and sisters" and acknowledged the presence of inembers of Occupy Redwood City and Peninsula InterFaith Action in the audience. He said he is also speaking as a resident of Redwood City, born and raised and said he works full-time with union wages, but he can only afford to live in an in-law-unit. He spoke against the project, asked Council to rescind it until there is a guarantee of more affordable housing units and prevailing wages for local union workers only. CITY COUNCIL February 13, 2012 MEETING MINUTES PAGE 10 MINUTE BOOK NO. 64 Page No. 43