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i about County discussions, he said that there was a County Supervisors' meeting last week and they expressed similar concerns and he believed they will also be sending a letter. Another Council Member thanked Mr. Chang and staff for their work and commented that rail in Redwood City is a very complicated engineering challenge, given the creeks, the Dumbarton Bridge, Woodside Road interchange, and that there is no one answer for rail to go through this city. He cautioned against talking in absolutes as more information is coming, and to focus on what is right, adding to the quality of life, and then considering the costs. Mayor Ira introduced Mr. Mike Garvey from the High Speed Rail Authority. Mayor Ira asked about Jefferson Avenue and what must be done with the trench option there. Mr. Chang said that the costs for this city would probably be part of the High Speed Rail program cost and he recommended a reasonable and flexible approach, with agreement by the HSR engineers, as the best option. Mayor Ira asked about having a covered trench throughout and Mr. Chang responded that they want flexibility and it is too early for the cost factor. In response to a question about whether or not Redwood City can live with an open trench, Mr. Chang said there is no desire for it, but it can be considered with the understanding that it is almost like a deep tunnel. Mr. Chang also spoke about considering what areas need to be covered versus other areas that can be open trench, while also providing connectivity opportunities for the community, especially for the EI Camino. Public comment: James Jonas said he did not like any of the options presented and he recommended a different alternative called "hat trench," with a dual-stacked, cut and covered trench with Caltrain and freight on top, covered or open trench, and High Speed Rail below. He commented on his visits to other cities' High Speed Rail Meetings. Mayor Ira noted that Council received a letter from Mr. Greg Greenway (on file) regarding high speed rail. In the letter, Mr. Greenway said his comments were on behalf of the business community, including the Seaport Industrial Association (SIA) and the Redwood City/San Mateo County Chamber of Commerce. One Council Member expressed her support for the comments by the Mayor and Mr. Greenway. She noted that it is important to let the HSR Authority know that connectivity, safety, and noise reduction are important and she is also interested in the hat trench idea. Another Council Member commented on the various scenarios, including having Caltrain and High Speed Rail below grade throughout Redwood City, and expressed his excitement in potentially uniting the community. Mr. Chang confirmed that up to Chestnut, Caltrain must be above grade for Woodside Road. A Council Member asked about Atherton and the County wanting to go below grade and asked if Council would support looking at this as beneficial. There seemed to be general agreement that more information would be good. Mayor Ira directed staff to prepare the letter and run it by the Ad Hoc Committee in order to meet the June 30th deadline. M/S Pierce. Bain to approve the recommendation. Motion carried unanimously by electronic vote with Council Member Foust absent. JOINT CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD June 14, 2010 MEETING MINUTES PAGE 7 MINUTE BOOK NO. 63 Page No. 109