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9. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS - None 10. PUBLIC HEARING - A. PUBLIC HEARING - Sign Ordinance - Amortization Provisions. A public hearing to determine the need for the implementation of Section 3.130 of Ordinance 2161, as per section 5491.1 (a) (1) of the California Business and Professions Code; Mayor Ruskin explained that several years ago, Council and other members of the community set out to upgrade the image of Redwood City in the commercial areas by regulating the commercial signage. This process is part of the Council effort to generally upgrade the image of Redwood City, particularly, in commercial areas. The process began in 1998 and there have been many public meetings and hearings with the sign ordinance focus group, public hearings with the Planning Commission, a joint study session with the Council and Planning Commission, the Architectural Review Committee. The new sign ordinance was adopted in June 1999. Principal Planner Jany explained this is the final step in the process with several alternatives from which to choose. The new ordinance was given three directives: Make the sign review and approval process simple and convenient for businesses, look for built-in flexibility through the exception and variance process, facilitate the regulation process to make enforcement feasible for dealing with violations and adopt regulations that beautify Redwood City and upgrade the aesthetics. The inventory is done, there are now three types of signs - permitted signs, illegal signs (with no existing permit or possibility of obtaining a legal permit possible), and signs that are non-conforming signs which are not allowed under the current ordinance and which are described under Exhibit 2. Principal Planner Jany recognized the focus group members in the audience, introduced Sign Enforcement Specialist Gary Kelly (hotline telephone no. - 780-7269) and explained the recommendation to begin the primary enforcement effort on Woodside Road, followed by El Camino and then to the remaining portions of the City. 9:30 p.m. - opened Public Hearing Bonnie Miller worked on the committee with staff and supports the process. Dan Clapp, a resident for 45 years and doesn't think the regulations or bureaucratic enlargement is because it creates a hardship on the business people to comply with demands. He stated the process creates an environment conducive to corruption and poses subjective esthetic standards. He asked that Council think about other problems that will be created. Dave Redfern, has been in business in Redwood City for 43 years and expressed concern regarding regulation of v-shaped signs utilized by automobile dealers. He REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES May 22, 2000 PAGE 7