AgdaPkt 2012-09-10 - Laserfiche WebLink

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6.1.A. - Page 19 Mr. Ekern, Director of Community Development, made clarifying statements regarding the staff report where staff tried to be as impartial as possible. He did add some detail on two issues: parking spaces for the Hunter Storm proposal meet the Downtown Precise Plan requirements, and the financial capability provided by Kilroy was sited at a lower amount but there are no concerns. He then introduced Kip Harkness who facilitated the discussion. Ms. Wong passed around documents provided to guide the discussion. Mr. Harkness went through the criteria that needed to be reviewed by Council. It included the following components that the subcommittee focused on: downtown revitalization, design, parking strategy, financial assessment, schedule, minimization of construction impacts. These were no prioritized but merely listed. The facilitator asked Council to focus on the "Wow" factor for each of the developer presentation and the weaknesses. Mr. Bell said that he wanted to afford the Council Ad Hoc Committee (Council Members Foust and Seybert) an opportunity to make any comments. Council Member Foust asked if there were any additional questions from the colleagues. Mayor Aguirre noted that it was clear and she thanked the Council Ad Hoc Committee. Council Member Seybert said that they saw all the criteria working together. Mr. Ekern, said that Hunter Storm will go first based on the flipping of a coin prior to the Council Study Session. The developers then each presented to the City Council for 10-minutes. Dick Hunter and John Kilroy, went first and made a presentation and a pitch for their project. He covered his experience, financial capability and vision. Lowe Enterprises went second and presented their project. Bob Lowe, Chairman and CEO of Lowe Enterprises, made his presentation to Council thanking Council for the opportunity to provide their vision. He elaborated on his team which has tight bonds to Redwood City. They provided details on reconfiguring the Winslow lot parcel for the possible creation of a hotel. (Both proposals on file for the public to review.) One Council Member inquired about the housing concerns mentioned by Hunter Storm and one of the partners noted that the concerns were related to the economy at the time and what apartments might look like. The facilitator asked each Council Member to share his/her "Wow" factors for each of the projects. He then asked each Council Member to share what was the one element which surprised the Council about each proposal. In general the Council was very appreciative of both proposals. (For the full content of the presentation please refer to the webstream at: http://redwoodcitv-ca.qranicus.com/MediaPlaver.php?view id=2&clip id=1314 and select Agenda Item 4) Various Council Members commented on the elements which struck a chord with them and explained that they were pleased with both proposals. Themes that emerged included: going local, using premier expertise, creativity, informed approach, CITY COUNCIL May 21, 2012 MEETING MINUTES PAGE 2