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City Council Meeting Minutes March 23, 1999 Page 9 1 After public testimony was complete,Mayor Ranallo asked for comments. 2 3 Marks stated that the flooding problems have been under discussion for over a decade, and the 4 issue must be resolved. 5 6 Marks stated that the Harding property in question, which is unused land, is the most 7 ecologically productive land in the City. He added it is.unique area, and if it will be used as a 8 holding pond, it must be designed in such a way that the impact is minimized. He expressed the 9 Council's wish that another solution were available. 10 11 Faust stated that this decision has been a difficult one in which community has been involved 12 through the task force, and it was never the Council's intention to pit neighbor against neighbor. 13 He added that he came away from the task force committed to 100.year flood protection for the 14 entire City and has maintained that position throughout this debate. 15 16 Faust stated that the Council has slowed the process repeatedly to search for other solutions and 17 alternatives, but no one solution will satisfy everyone, and the City's residents as a group must be accountable to and responsible for each other. He added that he, too, had served in the military and does not take the idea of taking private property lightly. 20 21 Thuesen stated that his philosophy since the beginning of his term on the Council has been to 22 listen, and listen some more, formulate an opinion and express his views. He added that an 23 important decision is needed with regard to the placement of a floodwater basin to bring the 24 community to 100 year flood protection. He expressed concern that if the issue is not.resolved, 25 the community will pass this problem on to the next generation of residents. He stated that 100 26 year flood protection is the right decision in the short and long-term interest of the community. 27 28 Thuesen stated that he has found it disturbing that recent Council meetings have become a 29 breeding ground for mistrust and discontentment. He added that accusations of the Council 30 being short-sighted, making up their minds long ago, and lacking in vision, and even that "money 31 under the table" was,taking place, are totally false. -He expressed concern that residents who 32 express these false accusations about the Council should bring facts and not opinions on beliefs 33 about issues involving his integrity and ethics. 34 35 Thuesen stated that the 4th option involving the Harding rear yard areas would change the 36 characteristics of a unique urban setting, create damage to the existing ecosystem, and entail an 37 emotional healing period for the residents of that neighborhood. He added that this option would 38 not require the destruction of homes or displacement of residents, and the 100 year fl_ood protection would nearly be met.