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path will be that Council will move forward with hiring a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) consultant, as previously directed to staff. Public Comment: John Bruno, of DMB Salfinrorks, said he is very pleased with the consultants work and he welcomes further study through the CEQA process. He thanked the city and its staff. Ben Paul, Board Member of the Redwood City San Mateo County Chamber of Commerce, thanked Council for the reports and analysis. He appreciated all the outreach done to date. Diane Cusimano owns a restaurant in Redwood City and she supports more housing and further studies. She opined that this will bring more people to downtown. Stephen Palmer spoke in favor of moving forward. Greg Greenway, Chair of the Chamber of Commerce Transportation and Housing Committee, encouraged moving forward and continuing a rigorous process. He suggested that the public outreach be taken to the people to enable dialogue. Bonnie Miller said the reports were good and she asked that the matter continues through the Environmental Impact process. Stephen Knight, Political Director of Save the Bay, spoke in opposition of Cargill and the proposed development. He urged Redwood City, state and federal agencies to reject it and to work on full restoration. He opined that Cargill does not belong to Redwood City but this is bayfront property that belongs to the region. Glenn Arvin commended the effort to go forward with Tier One and supports going ahead. Jan Lindenthal, Vice President of Mid Peninsula Housing Coalition, spoke in favor of continuing discussion of tier one and addressing the need for affordable housing in the Bay Area and Redwood City and exploring all options. Barb Valley, a resident Redwood City for about five decades, opined that the citizens of Redwood City are the ones in charge of the decision and that it does not matter what other cities or nonresidents say. She spoke in favor of moving forward with the process and encouraged people to participate, get involved, and speak up. John Farrow spoke in favor of a public process that engages Council and residents in a dialogue. He expressed concerns that information meetings do not foster citizen participation or bi-lateral communication. He also expressed his concerns and questions regarding various aspects of the project, including other sites for housing, robust community engagement, and independent efforts. Ricardo Leanos spoke in favor of the project as a positive and thanked the Council. Steve Mincey, with DES Architects and Engineers, but representing SAMCEDA as their Executive Director, said the biggest issues are transportation and housing. He spoke REGULAR/STUDY SESSION CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 1, 2010 MEETING MINUTES PAGE 4 MINUTE BOOK NO. 63 Page No. 025