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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 species, help improve access and develop the stewardship of our residents and the greater Bay Area. Council comments and questions were stated regarding where the percentages of time will be spent in making connections and grant writing as well as past experience that will guarantee success. Mr. Fawcett stated that in looking at the question of the levees, it becomes obvious that there is a larger opportunity for this community and that is to actively participate in conservation and restoration, making real strides to solve this problem completely. He explained his ten years experience on Capitol Hill seeking and obtaining funds for members of Congress, and ten years experience since then working in private industry getting funds for municipalities. He further explained various mechanisms for funding that are available and that he has experience in. He stated that his charge is to find a way to make this an attractive project for policy makers in Washington D.C. to know that they have a program that is politically palatable and has a reasonable opportunity for success. He stated that the majority of his time would be in defining the four squares of the project, determining the cost of the project, obtaining agreements from the various agencies of the Federal Government in order to go forward to the local delegation and administration to come to some agreement on the initial funding and out year funding for this project. Public Comment: Ralph Nobles stated that the Bair Island acquisition had nothing whatsoever to do with the Cargill Salt purchase. He stated that he does not support keeping the levees closed but he also opposes using political pressure to force their opening. He stated his understanding that the barriers in place are not maintained and are easily allowing access citing two examples. He expressed appreciation for the efforts to obtain funding for the restoration of Bair Island. JOINT CITY COUNCIL AND REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY JANUARY 26, 2004 MEETING MINUTES PAGE 5 MINUTES Book No. 60 Page No. 147