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authorize under the Broadway Mall Ordinance. Joseph Steinfeld, Main Street merchant, member of the Downtown Association, described the background leading to this formal request, and advised how important a farmers market component would be to the success of the proposed Downtown Market Days. Mr. Steinfeld described the previous market days held in Redwood City, and the successful market days in Europe and advised the Association was trying to draw people to the downtown area. Joe Staudt, Broadway merchant, advised he would support market days in Redwood City but could not support flea markets. Mr. Staudt described the need for control over inventory to prevent junk from being offered. Geri Mayers, Broadway merchant, also spoke in favor of market days that could benefit all of downtown, but stated Redwood City was not a flea market kind of town. Mrs. Mayers suggested that the downtown merchants work with the very successful Saturday morning Farmers Market to provide quality market days. Jim Honjas, Broadway merchant, spoke in favor of Market Days stating they have offered quality merchandise in the past and it was a concept that will work. Mr. Honjas described how Weinman's Furniture store cooperated with the Saturday morning Farmers Market by allowing the Market's patrons to use Weinman's parking lot, and asked that other downtown merchants be as cooperative. Mr. Honjas asked that Council tentatively approve the request and assign a staff member to monitor the vendors, merchandise and locations. Councilmembers discussed their desire to encourage and promote quality events in Redwood City, but stressed that the perception that the City "put on" these events was erroneous. However, since the City is perceived to be responsible, Councilmembers voiced their concern over the quality of the events; the need for appropriate locations and possible indoor facilities during inclement weather; impacts on other produce businesses in the area; and the possibility of playing off the success of the Kiwanis Farmers Market. Councilwoman Steinfeld wanted to address the issue of street closures but was advised by the City Attorney that she needed to abstain from participation due to a possible conflict of interest. Councilmembers discussed need for more cooperation between the merchants in the downtown area and their genuine desire to help promote quality events. MIS: GREENALCH/CLAIRE TO DENY DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION REQUEST FOR A REVOCABLE PERMIT TO HOLD WEEKLY DOWNTOWN MARKET DAYS CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS CLAIRE, GASPARINI, GREENALCH, LA BERGE, SANFILIPO AND MAYOR BUCHAN NOES: NONE ABSTENTIONS: COUNCILWOMAN STEINFELD MINUTE ORDER NO. 93-159 Regular Meeting Minutes July 19, 1993 MINUTE BOOK NO. 51 Page 9 Page No. 477 ------ ---_..- '--""'~-'-'-"-- I