CC MIN 1975 - Laserfiche WebLink

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39 Rudolph Luca , 820 Vera, suggested that the cost of main- tenance of the police boat is tremendous and stated he has been advised it does not do the job. Mr. Luca also suggested that it is unfair to tax those who do not operate boats to pay for maintenance of a police boat, and recommended boatowners pay for the police boat directly if they wish the City to retain it. Al Caesar, 1680 Maryland Street, Al ' s Marine Store, stated he pays for many City services he does not use and has no objection to doing so, but that as a boatowner, he believes he is entitled to the protection of a police boat, particularly since he pays property tax to the City on the boat. Mr. Caesar called attention to the two-mile long channel, observing that boats of all sizes and types play all over the channel creating many hazards which can be avoided by the presence of a law enforcement officer in a boat. Mr. Caesar replied to questions from Council concerning his many years of experience in the Redwood City harbor and his knowledge of police boat services. William Harlow, 803 Seminole, stated that he has done rescue work in the U. S. Navy with the Coast Guard and is familiar with the police boat used by the City. Mr. Harlow stated the City boat is unfit for its present duties because of both its construction and its operation. He suggested a smaller boat, paid for by boatowners only, be administered by the Port and operated by the harbor- master, if boatowners believe they must have a police boat. In response to questions, City Manager Fales advised that the City has only just learned of state and federal funds which may be available to the City for the police boat and that it may be possible to transfer the boat to the Marina fund . Police Chief Bold also commented concerning the possibility of obtaining state funds for equipment and manpower. Pete Uccelli, Pete ' s Harbor, called attention to the sales taxes and property taxes paid on purchases at the harbor and on boats, suggesting that police protection with a police boat should be provided by the City. Mr. Uccelli repeated his offer made previously to provide certain services in connection with the boat at no charge to the City. Ron Soucy requested that while he did not wish to speak concerning the police boat, he would like to yield any time which might be allocated to him to Mr. Harlow who had already addressed Council. Mayor Weymouth ruled against the request. Jerry Redford, 16 Granite Court, San Carlos, stated that he works in Redwood City, and commented on the difficulties encountered by boaters requiring assistance because the Coast Guard boat is stationed at some distance on Yerba Buena Island. Mr. Redford commended the police officer who operates the police boat and urged the boat be re- tained as a safety measure . In response to question from -6- Reg.Mtg. 6/16/75