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Vice Mayor Pierce agreed with the concerns expressed and explained that some issues are still being worked out and it appears that enough information has not been provided for Council to make a decision. She further stated that science needs to drive the opening of the levees dictating when and whether it will be safe for the species and what involvement might be permitted by people. This information would be provided through Terry Huffman by U.S. Fish and Wildlife. City Manager Everett agreed that the decision would be biologically based. Council Member Hartnett stated that there are inter - related issues and what is not known is the cost involved and that preliminary information would assist in knowing whether it is feasible to go forward. Public Comment: Ralph Nobles stated that he would like to see the levees opened, but not over the objections of Fish and Wildlife. He further stated that it is fair to ask what the public has received from Mr. Fawcett and that his opinion is that the people involved with the resources affected believe that he cannot produce the results. He stated that $7,500.00 a month retainer fee is not a good use of city funds and read an e-mail that had been circulated referencing Mr. Fawcett. Colleen Jordan stated that Mr. Fawcett has an enormous amount of experience in such areas where people have very disparate opinions and wishes; most of the experience is in environmental issues. She cited the background from her involvement in the process. She stated her hope that this be brought before Council again in order to get more clarity on Mr. Fawcett's work so that those who love and care about the wildlife and wish to use the levees are satisfied. Mayor Ira asked Vice Mayor Pierce to explain Mr. Fawcett's work up to this point. Robin Smith, representing the Sequoia Audubon Society, stated that after meeting with Mr. Fawcett her opinion is that his overall idea is to get funds to restore Bair Island so that there would be plenty of Clapper Rail habitat. She stated her feeling that nothing new was brought forward, that ideas already having been posed were reiterated. She further stated that the place for Mr. Fawcett to begin would be the Fish and Wildlife, Endangered Species section in Sacramento. Council Members made various comments with Council Member Ruskin stating that after discussion he does not believe there would be any thing more substantial coming forward. M/S Hartnett/Bain to defer the item to a later meeting in which there would be information provided that is necessary to determine whether to move forward with the agreement. The motion passed by the following roll call vote: Ayes: JOINT CITY COUNCIL AND DECEMBER 1, 2003 REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING MINUTES PAGE 6 MINUTES Book No. 60 Page No. 109