1968 339- 485 _ 1-8 to 4-15-1968

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J 438 contractor whereby property owners could figure their own costs from their lot sizes or call his Department for assistance and enclosing postcards to be re- turned if work to be performed by them. He advised costs for disking more ex- pensive than that of spraying, but also more effective, and bid submitted covered three disking operations per lot. — In reply to questioning as to any possible hazard which might result should City not provide for a weed abatement program this year, Fire Chief warned elimination of this program would result in fire hazards to home -owners of --ad- jacent property and seriously affect the semi -vacant hill areas if not disked. In reply to questioning of how other cities managed weed abatement, City Manager reported that review by Staff earlier had indicated most cities had a weed abatement program of some sort, such as by contract, their own City forces, abatement work only based on health and safety considerations, with- out a formal program but by notice to property owners with City abating and charging for work if not done by owners. Director of Public Works further reported operational procedures would in - elude an inspector in field with camera to record proof of work done on parcels; costs involved in contract price submitted being for some 800 parcels: with actual cost to each being based on a square footage basis; payment to contractor based on number of diskings to each parcel; costs estimated also would be reduced by those property owners who do their own work. Fire Chief, after further discussion by Council members on possibility of City not enter- ing a weed abatement program, again stressed point that many property owners of vacant land needing weed abatement do not live in Redwood City and delay of program by other procedures would cause hazardous fire conditions later in the season to those property owners living adjacent to these vacant areas. In reply to questioning as to whether City forces could perform this work for the 800 lots to be covered by this program this year, City Manager advised City is not in the position to do this work as proper equipment is lacking. Motion declaring weeds a nuisance and setting public hearing carried on roll call vote, Councilman Keckley being noted absent. Councilman Granger moved that Director of Public Works provide an inspector charged with the task of inspecting each lot before contractor allowed to proceed with disking, seconded by Councilman Petersen and carried. (MINUTE ORDER #68-63) City Manager asked that consideration of the subject concerning the Main Library be continued on the Agenda until Librarian, Architect, and Board members were present. Request for Council's authorization for preparation of plans and specifications for construction of improvements in Andrew Spinas Playground, as recommended by Staff approved on motion of Councilman Rosselli, seconded by Councilman Petersen.