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.' . . I . . - activities can allow. It is important that we move forward in a positive way. The road issue is a difficult one, and I like.... that there is reference to the road in Number 7, which - in effect is at the bottom. I do think it is unlikely that there will be a (connector) road, but I agree with Vice Mayor Ruskin's comments that holding open the opportunity to visit this issue.... as the 84 extension may come into play is reasonable." Council Member Hartnett said he believed there were some safety issues to consider, but he agreed with Mr. Nobles that if this idea proceeded it would have to be accomplished "with a net positive effect with respect to the wetlands." He said it also made sense to "shift to the Transportation Authority the main efforts to review this because it is a regional issue" and the T A had the staff and resources to devote to it. In response to Council Member Leipzig's questions regarding BCDC's enabling legislation and Assemblyman Lempert's involvement, Vice Mayor Ruskin said that the Task Force had not discussed this issue with the Assemblyman at this time. Council Member Leipzig suggested that the Task Force raise this question with him, and stated that he supported a connector road at the least for emergency access as well as other reasons. He said, "We have to keep hope alive for the roadway for the emergency issue if nothing else. When we first formed this Task Force months ago, maybe a year ago.... I was upset at the time because we were voting that night to support the sale of Bair Island yet not taking a position on the roadway, and I felt we were negotiating in the wrong direction. And I think it has been proven to be true, given that Item 7 on the recommendations at the bottom of the list, is the roadway. I think that's a shame. I just want to say that one man should not dictate to the citizens. And I think that's what the indications are here.... I - think the people, the citizens, the taxpayers should have the ultimate decision. So I will talk to Assemblyman Lempert's office as well, and I would encourage the Task Force to do the same." Vice Mayor Ruskin said he believed that Bair Island would become "a real jewel in Redwood City, a national asset that is housed here. I think it would make good sense for us to take some positive action in that regard. I am not suggesting at all that we carry a major burden of the cost, but that we do some appropriate funding to a reasonable level, and ask some of our neighboring cities to do the same as they will also share this regional resource with us." Vice Mayor Ruskin said it would be inaccurate to say that one man was dictating policy. He reiterated that state law governed BCDC's Board and Executive Director. Mayor Howard thanked the members of the Task Force for their hours of work, meetings attended and the Report submitted to Council. She said she concluded from the Report that a major roadway seemed unlikely given the legal obstacles. She said she supported a bikeway and planned properly wouldn't impinge upon the Preserve. Mayor Howard said she was also interested in emergency access and wanted to pursue that, specifically the suggestion offered by Mr. Mace of having a bikeway available for emergency vehicles in a time of crisis. She said it was ÍIpP9rtant thatthe Task Force stays together, as it was an organized voice representing a wide variety of opinions throughout the community, and it - could be very helpful in addressing the public access issue. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTE BOOK NO. 56 MAY 18, 1998 MINUTES Page No. 491 PAGE 13