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6.1.A. - Page 26 <br /> A. Approve claims and checks dated May 21, 2012 and the usual and <br /> necessary payments through June 11, 2012 <br /> MINUTE ORDER 12-098 <br /> 7. STAFF REPORT(S) <br /> A. Depot Circle Developer Selection <br /> Recommendation: <br /> Select a preferred developer for the Depot Circle project, and direct staff to <br /> commence negotiations with that developer for the terms of a potential <br /> Disposition and Development Agreement <br /> Dr. Bell framed the discussion explaining this was a continuation of what had happened <br /> during the earlier Study Session. He noted that the next steps are Council deliberation <br /> on which proposal it will pursue. Mr. Harness summarized the Study Session which <br /> included the following points: there are two strong proposals, the fact that Hunter Storm <br /> brings is the possibility of a full block development, strong focus on local partners, <br /> financing ability and winning design elements. Regarding Hunter Storm, Council had <br /> also commented on the amount of local experts used. There were positive comments <br /> on the mixed use and the conference space possibility. <br /> Mayor Aguirre welcomed public comment. <br /> Gregory Tung, Principal with Freedman Tung and Sasaki; has worked with the Hunter <br /> Storm team during design development in relation to the Precise Plan. He spoke on the <br /> importance of workplace and transit, downtown revitalization, building a vision under the <br /> Precise Plan, a strong employment District, and how this is a key development site for <br /> transit adjacent to the development. He also provided a hand out (on file). <br /> Dan Ponti opined this is a unique opportunity to set a precedent for this City-owned <br /> property and how it may influence how the rest of the City develops. He said this is an <br /> opportunity to bring housing downtown and there should be a housing component <br /> included. <br /> Gail Raabe, resident and a member of Redwood City Neighbors United, said she heard <br /> both presentations (at the study session) and commented that they were both <br /> informative, provided a number of project elements for their consideration, and opined <br /> that the selected proposal should include housing. She opined that this site is ideal for <br /> transit-oriented housing and that the City should take advantage of this early opportunity <br /> to get more residents here to support Downtown shops and entertainment. <br /> The facilitator then asked Council to share "red flags" or fatal flaws about each of the <br /> proposals. One Council Member shared that the issue of how parking is handled is <br /> important on both of the proposals. The other item that was brought up was how to lure <br /> the tenants to be part of the community and use existing services like gyms and <br /> restaurants. Vice Mayor Gee said that he had some question marks regarding how the <br /> SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL May 21, 2012 <br /> MEETING MINUTES PAGE 6 <br />