Mayor Miller led the salute to the flag

City Manager LaSala presented a detailed staff report. He explained that he is proposing seven revisions to the 10-Year Capital Projects Plan and requesting that the Council give preliminary policy direction.

Community Development Director Paternoster discussed options for the Downtown Plaza Park and Public Works Director Rose discussed the Mary Avenue/Highway 280 Footbridge Project.

The Council entered into a discussion on the best process for responding to the City Manager's proposals and giving policy direction on the City Manager's 6-Point Plan of Action to address the budget crisis.

Mayor Miller opened the Public Hearing at 8:00 p.m.

Kevin Jackson, a member of the public, supported retaining the projects that supported bicyclists and pedestrians.

Ron Swegles, a member of the public, suggested that some of the furnishings for the new Senior Center could be delayed.

Martin Eichner, representing Project Sentinel, noted that a 25% reduction in funding would have a significant impact on his agency.

David Simons, a member of the public, suggested that Council leverage VTA funding.

Joe Walton, City of Cupertino Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee Chair, urged Council to keep the Mary Avenue Footbridge on the capital projects list.

Fred Wiesinger, a member of the public, advocated keeping the Mary Avenue Footbridge project.

Ray Johnson, a member of the public, supports the process for continued public input.

After reviewing the documents that were submitted for Council review, the Council directed staff to prepare a worksheet and summary report for each of the projects that are listed on Capital Projects Plan list. These worksheets and summaries will be distributed to Council for review. Councilmembers Fowler and Walker will formulate a process to evaluate the projects and possibly rank them in a public meeting.

There was a consensus to place the Downtown Plaza on an upcoming agenda to choose an option and then go out to bid on the project.

Mayor Miller closed the Public Hearing at 9:40 p.m.

Mayor Miller extended an invitation to the State of the City Event next Tuesday, March 4, 2003, beginning at 5:30 p.m. in Council Chambers.

There being no other business to come before the Council, Mayor Miller declared the special meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:
Susan Kitchens, City Clerk