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Nita Spangler stated that she has been interested in the bay front area since July of 1944 when it was a beautiful untouched waterfront. She gave a history of development since then that has led to deterioration. She stated that there has been a tremendous amount of work done by volunteers and that she would like a conference involving the volunteers prior to hiring anyone. She stated that the Council might better support the fact that the area cannot support foot pounding on the soft soil. Robin Smith, Sequoia Audubon Society, reminded Council that the birds out by the levees are still endangered, and according to the latest report from U.S. Fish and Wildlife report on mercury, they are even more endangered due to eggshell thinning. She agreed that the City has not been properly monitoring the levee access. She stated that anything the City could do to help the project along would be much appreciated. Council Members thanked the Committee for the work and stated their reasons for supporting the recommendation such as approval of the contract being a continuum of the attempt to restore Bair Island. Agreement that positive results cannot and should not be attained by political pressure but that those results must come from someone seeking funding for what does make sense was expressed. Agreement to listening and involving members of community who support restoration and endangered species protection was mentioned. In regards to the City's track record, the work with Aqua Terra in cleaning tons of debris, the CityTrees organization, citywide clean -ups and recycling projects should be recognized. Several Council Members stated that there is a risk, but also an opportunity to obtain Federal dollars available. Council Member Ruskin stated his concern with the monitoring of the access to the levees. He expressed his dissatisfaction and concern with the report stating that the language is not frank and straightforward, and that he would oppose the recommendation. Council Member Bain had asked specific questions during both discussions of the topic and stated that he is still not satisfied and would be voting no. Recommendation: M/S Foust/Hartnett to approve, and authorize the City Manager to sign the letter agreement amending the agreement dated March 27, 2003 with Mr. W.H. Fawcett in a joint effort to open access to Redwood Shores Levees and to enhance /expand endangered species habitat. The motion passed by a majority roll call vote with Council Members Bain and Ruskin voting no. MINUTE ORDER 04 -20 JOINT CITY COUNCIL AND REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY JANUARY 26, 2004 MEETING MINUTES PAGE 6 MINUTES Book No. 60 Page No. 148