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to work with all parties to develop adequate and true public access to this beautiful resource. And by doing this, years from now, people will really appreciate your vision as they look over the views that they are so enjoying." Walter Moore, Director of Land Conservation with POST, and a resident of Redwood City, said there were communications with the property owners regarding this issue at the time of purchase, but POST had a small staff with multiple projects, and "at no time after that period.... have we ever met with City Planning staff to flesh out our proposal and only a single month has passed since the initiation of the condenmation proceedings." Mr. Moore said it was obvious that direct negotiations, rather than litigation, were always more advantageous for everyone. He acknowledged that POST did refuse the request for entry on that property in an effort to protect their property interests. He said, "However, at the time we did that, the BCDC permit or jurisdiction was not part of our discussions. I will state to you now and plainly that we will grant, and we will do in our name, any permit the City would like to do with BCDC, to move that forward so it is not delaying this process." Mr. Moore asked the Council to delay its decision and direct staff to work with POST and the Developer so they "develop a world class access to Inner Bair Island." Jack Castle, Redwood City Port Commissioner, 827 Mohican, said he had served two terms on the Planning Commission. Mr. Castle said Commissioners had always been advised to listen to the experts, and the City's eminent domain attorney was advising the Council to go forward with these proceedings. He said "we owe it to the future citizens of Redwood City to move speedily if we can." Mr. Castle said he was bothered by veiled threats of litigation and public relation debacles, and "we need to move past that. We need to work with each other and get things done for the good of Redwood City." Mr. Castle said he was very proud of Redwood City and he urged the Council to approve the resolution. Daniela Gasparini Devincenzi, former Redwood City Mayor, 269 Ruby Avenue, San Carlos, said she was very interested in this issue. She said the city's eminent domain attorney had listed the four areas of Council concern, but unfortunately previous speakers had raised several other issues. Mrs. Devincenzi said that it was incumbent upon the Council to bring that road up to City standards to avoid public injuries. She said she was happy to hear that the City might not have to expend public funds to do so. Mrs. Devincenzi said she agreed with Mr. Castle, and believed that the action proposed tonight would increase the chances of resolving this issue. She said there had been ample time to solve these differences, and it was time for the Council to move on and improve that road for public access. Pete Uccelli, Pete's Harbor, spoke in favor of the proposed improvements to Bair Island Road. Mr. Uccelli said that the road had been a public thoroughfare for over 40 years, "I know, because I put it there." He said he would be glad to work with Mr. Nobles to resolve any gridlock. He said behind the theaters would be a perfect place to put a road. Mr. Uccelli urged the Council to adopt the resolution. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTE BOOK NO. 56 APRIL 6,1998 MINUTES Page No. 380 PAGE 20