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In response to Council questions, City Attorney Schricker advised that the ~'- infractions were a more effective penalty because jury trials can be demanded under misdemeanors which could cause adjudicat to last years; and the fines of $100 for first offense, $200 for second offense and $300 for third and any additional offenses were established by State law. The following people addressed the Council regarding this issue: Matt Cornell, Belmont, described abuse he had received as a clinic escort and need for the proposed ordinance; Cathy Little, Planned Parenthood Center Director, described problems caused by protestors, abortions are only 4% of health services provided by Planned Parenthood, and need for the proposed ordinance; Dian Harrison, Executive Director of San Mateo County Planned Parenthood, described abuse and the plight of those needing comprehensive health care, and described other services provided by Planned Parenthood; Natalie Gans, 90 Birch Street, spoke in favor of the ordinance; Catherine Short, Life Legal Defense Foundation, Atherton, advised that the proposed ordinance was based on the San Jose ordinance but was not being implemented anywhere; it had not been tested in the Courts; there were several constitutional issues to be resolved; and eight (8) away was unrealistic where four (4) feet sidewalks existed. AT 11:15 P.M., M/S: LA BERGE/SANFILIPO TO EXTEND THE MEETING TO 11:30 P.M. CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE. Mary Wynne, Redwood City, advised Council the proposed ordinance was based on the one in San Jose which had not been tested; the taxpayers would bear the cost of testing it in court; this ordinance was targeted to help Planned Parenthood; that if this ordinance was enforced and the Courts ovér turned convictions under it, the City would be liable for civil actions, injunctive relief and damages; and, money spent on testing this ordinance would be better spent on schools. Councilwoman Steinfeld advised that access to health care facilities was a benefit to taxpayers, and there was a need to lessen the impacts on neighbors of health care facilities. Councilman Greenalch advised that it was his intention to see that the ordinance be enforced in Redwood City; that there were serious Constitutional issues at stake, freedom of speech v access to medical care and right to privacy; it was up to the Courts to decide those kinds of issues; and, that it was unfortunate that such a personal issue had become a public policy issue. Councilman Greenalch advised that the City was not taking sides, but responding to the requests of citizens to do something; and, the proposed ordinance was a well thought out attempt to get a judicial resolution. AT 11:30 P.M., MIS: CLAIREISTEINFELD TO EXTEND THE MEETING TO 11:35 P.M. CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE. Regular Meeting Minutes May 24, 1993 MINUTE BOOK NO. 51 Page 9 Page No. 421 . -' - -. " --.-.-...-.,...-