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i liquefaction, safety, and the possible need to evacuate 25,000 people. She urged Council to not authorize development of the saltponds. Douglas Karlson, representing the Bair Island Aquatic Center (BIAC), spoke in favor of continuing the expanded Saltworks environmental review process. He said BIAC is a nonprofit promoting human-powered water sports, and that they, along with other community athletic and activity programs, see the potential for expansion of their activities through the proposed project. Stephen Knight, representing Save the Bay and those in opposition to the Cargill plan, finds the plan inappropriate for Redwood City and the Bay Area. He said people can drive out to certain areas to see the saltponds and that more information can be accessed at www.dontpavemvbav.org/. Cynthia Denny, representing the Sierra Club California Executive Committee and a delegate to the California-Nevada Regional Conservation Committee (CNRCC) along with two others held up pictures, commenting that the Sierra Club had a unanimous vote in favor of the entire restoration of the saltponds in February 2010. She said she is representing 149,584 individuals and held up a banner with information. She spoke about this land as a national treasure, as an estuary, and is in favor of having the land returned to the South Bay restoration project for full restoration. William Nack, representing the San Mateo County Building Trades Council with 14,000 members, expressed thanks for the outline of the process. He asked Council to approve the amendment for professional agreement, to continue the EIR and CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) processes according to the California statute. Gail Sredanovic shared concerns that some speakers referred to outsiders and opined that the city is intertwined with others, also that all taxpayers have a fiduciary interest in any enormous outlay, such as for any rescue and rebuilding efforts in the event of floods or earthquakes. She also had questions about zoning, definition of waterways, and the CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) process for evaluation of achieving goals. Julie Abraham, a Redwood City resident, expressed her opinion that everyone's perspective has merit. She shared concerns about one Council Member in regards to state law, as well as other Council Members, and the continuing need for transparency, responsibility, and impartial representation. Mayor Ira clarified that the Chamber voted to endorse the study of a project but not the project itself. Nancy Arbuckle, Conservation Chair of the Sequoia Audubon Society - San Mateo County representing 1,600 active members, spoke in opposition to the proposed development. She spoke about the importance of habitat environment, endangered species, and had questions about the EIR process. John Bruno, from DMB Saltworks, fully supports the city-led process with a full review of the 50-50 balanced plan so that all questions may be answered, and the final decision can JOINT CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD August 23, 2010 MEETING MINUTES PAGE 7 MINUTE BOOK NO. 63 Page No. 169