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The reporting out of the Closed Session, Ms. Thompson, City Attorney, brought up the Friends of Cordilleras Creek and an election matter related to Rankin vs. Redwood City. Vice Mayor Gee and Council Member Seybert left the dais. Ms. Thompson continued on with a brief synopsis of the Rankin vs. Redwood City that required a Council vote during Closed Session. Council voted Five to Zero in favor of paying the requested payment with two Council Members recused (Gee/Seybert). One Council Member said that the Council reluctantly voted in favor of paying the fees and as it is widely known there is a history of using this ballot designation and so this Council Member believes this is unnecessary and hence believes this was primarily a political matter. Various Council Members made comments about the issue and how they wished a less litigious approach had been sought. Another Council Member stated it is unfortunate that taxpayers have to pay for these types of frivolous lawsuits. Vice Mayor Gee and Council Member Seybert rejoined the dais. 5. SPECIAL ORDER(S) OF THE DAY A. Mayor's Beautification Awards - Alicia C. Aguirre, Mayor Diane Howard, former Mayor, announced that this was the 25t" Annual Mayor's Beautification awards and was happy and honored to be here. She thanked Georgi LaBerge, former Mayor, for initiating this tradition when she was on the Council. She then thanked the staff from the City Manager's Office, Ms. Crystal Tuifua and Ms. Deanna LaCroix, for their hard work. She also thanked all the volunteers, participants and especially the judges. David McCallum one of the award winners announced the "Romancing the Creek 2014" event on February 15, 2014 at 10 a.m. 6. PUBLIC COMMENT Tania Sole spoke about her sewer being disconnected and her meeting with City Manager Bell and Community Development Director Ekern. She raised the issue of having sewers at the boats in Docktown like other Bay Area cities. Lorianna Kastrop, Chair of the Port Commission, reminded the Council and the community about the 4th Annual Redwood City PortFest with its many special events and guests coming up on October 5, 2013. She also invited neighboring cities to attend. Mike Giari also added that the Redwood City Fire Department was invited to demonstrate their brand new fire boat. Dr. Bell commented that the fire boat was paid through grant funding and clarified its importance to the community. Council Member Foust also congratulated Ms. Kastrop for being the first woman to be Chair of the Port Commission. Dr. Bell added that tomorrow he would be setting the record straight on the City's website and addressing Ms. Sole's sewer disconnection statements. CITY COUNCIL September 23, 2013 MEETING MINUTES PAGE 2 MINUTE BOOK NO. 64 Page No. 437