CC Min 2013-02-11 Joint w/ Successor

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��.��.__ _� .�.�. . Dr. Bell presented the City Council Strategic Initiatives and elaborated on each one (report on file). He also noted that the presentation tonight is captured in two documents that are online: the Annual Report and the Strategic Initiatives. He covered each of the initiatives elaborating first on Community Engagement. He provided a plethora of examples of what has been accomplished under this initiative. One Council Member noted that the live chat is very important and it would be good to have the hours of operation posted. One Council Member noted how important this meeting is and how only two members of the public were in the audience. Dr. Bell confirmed that the hours of operation for the live chat will be added to the website. Another Council Member noted that there is no specific order on the listing of these priorities and that they are merely in alpha order. Dr. Bell then covered Public Safety and Transportation. He provided details on these and noted the various accomplishments under each. Under transportation, he mentioned the downtown parking study and the complete streets discussion coming up on February 25, 2013. One Council Member inquired about the parking application and when it might be rolled out. Bill Ekern, Director of Community Development, said right now staff is finishing up negotiations with the vendor and it should come to Council in March. It was noted that Redwood City is a big partner in transportation and this is an initiative that has many venues and components. Another Council Member inquired about the possibility of getting some statistics on accident numbers for particular streets. Dr. Bell then introduced Mr. Sean Brooks, Economic Development Manager, who covered the Economic Development initiative and the progress to date. He covered the goals of retaining, cultivating, continuing and fostering business retention. Mr. Brooks elaborated on marketing strategies and the relationship with building and planning. He added that there is a need for universal branding and marketing so the message is consistent. Mr. Brooks covered key technology companies and a map of where the businesses are concentrated. He provided detail on the issue of housing at all levels and how greater density relates to more people on the streets to support businesses. Mr. Brooks provided specific numbers about affordable housing and how Redwood City has kept this a priority. One Council Member found the statistics shared very commendable. Various Council Members thanked the work that has been accomplished and how this presentation illustrates a huge accomplishment. Another Council Member noted that this presentation should be on the front page of our website because it illustrates a certain reality in Redwood City. The Mayor noted that some other businesses needed to be added. Dr. Bell confirmed that staff will add more visibility to this on the website. The next initiative was Government Operations which was covered by Dr. Bell. He noted examples such as the shared services with the San Carlos Fire Department, new online bill payment, and going from twelve departments to nine. .He made mention of the partnership with YMCA as a possibility and maybe even having the city run the facility. He also added that out of the City Clerk's Department a Boards, Commissions and Committees (BCC) Handbook was created and BCC members are now invited to an orientation to help them better fulfill their roles. Dr. Bell added that two additional JOINT CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY BOARD February 11, 2013 MEETING MINUTES PAGE 5 MINUTE BOOK NO. 64 Page No. 276