AgdaPkt 2004-02-09 - Laserfiche WebLink

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planners with the goal of building a world class transit system for the Bay Area. The measure was designed to address traffic on Bay Area bridges and the highways that serve them. It proposes a $1.00 fee increase to State owned bridges, except the Golden Gate to be used exclusively for the +ransportation projects as specified in the plan. The-new total revenues will ger,grate $125 million annually for new transportation projects. She further explained the new transit options throughout the Bay Area, improved transit access, and safe and convenient connections. Council asked various questions. MIS Howard/Bain to endorse Regional Measure "2". The motion passed by a unanimous voice vote. The motion passed by a unanimous voice vote. MINUTE ORDER 04-19 7. COMMITTEE REPORTS A. Redwood Shores Levee Access and Protecting/Enhancing Endangered Species Habitat Council Member Foust, Public Land Access Committee Member, stated the report involves whether to continue the services of consultant Buzz Fawcett to look into the possibility of opening up the Redwood Shores levees. She explained that she, Vice Mayor Pierce, Public Land Access Committee Chair, and City Manager Everett had consulted with Mr. Fawcett in various forms of communication on the topic. She referenced the enclosed letter of January 22, 2004 and stated that the discussion and concerns by Council in December are, specifically, addressed in the letter. This is an opportunity for Redwood City to be a part of a larger scope of an urban wildlife conservation program because adjacent to the levees is the Bair Island habitat which is part of the Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge. She further explained that she found it is very difficult to develop a specific timeline and milestones when working with Federal dollars. She stated there are budget cycles and time must be allowed for connections to be made with U.S. Fish and Wildlife. Additionally, there is more data available where we could ask for a re-opening of the biological opinion being reviewed in terms of mean tide data. She cited figures of available funding for restoration of Bair island and the habitat of the species that could be used in an active position on conservation. She further explained the North American Wetlands Conservation Act of 1989. She summarized that she thinks it is in the best interest of the City to extend the contract based on the $7,500.00 per month retainer fee coming from the GID 1-64 fund. Vice Mayor Member Pierce, Public Land Access Committee Chair, stated her reasons for supporting the restoration, conservation and stewardship. She stated that there has not been a great history in terms of the levees and opening them and caring for species and this is an opportunity to help develop the relationships with good science. We can help expand Bair Island and preservation for the JOINT CITY COUNCIL AND REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY JANUARY 26, 2004 MEETING MINUTES PAGE 4