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5. SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY - None 6. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Mayor Ruskin recognized guests present at the meeting: Michelle Lew, from the office of Assemblyman Joe Simitian; Donald Fescenmayer, Planning Commission City of Spring Valley, Illinois; Speakers: Jack Stephens, resident in Redwood City since 1994 and representing the organization City Trees. By the end of next year this organization plans to plant as much as 1,000 shade trees in the City. This organization acknowledges and thanks City Staff, City Council, local merchants, corporate citizens, and other volunteer organizations that provide much needed help. All residents and Council Members are invited to help plant 87 additional trees on Saturday June 30th at 9:00 a.m. For additional information go to www.citytrees.org or call 556-9380. Paul Gilbert, representing the ACLU referred to several communications sent to Council Members in regards to the Invocation that takes place at the beginning of the meeting. Paul Gilbert opposes the fact that during a public meeting the public has to stand and bow heads. It was also stated that the public is being asked to participate in a religious exercise of the Council's choosing. Paul Gilbert clarified that the purpose of his message was not to express hostility towards religion, but to emphasize that municipal government is meddling in religion. He further stated that providing religious leadership to the community is not the purpose of Council. A request was made to agendize this item for some future meeting. Susan Keely, resident of Redwood City stated that she agreed with the previous speaker. Expressed frustration with Pac Bell, and while the City Staff has been working with her; the efforts have been in vain. The issue is that there is a Pac Bell employee (relocation specialist) who sprays paint private property without consideration. This Pac Bell employee misrepresents herself by saying that she works for the City, and uses up to seven colors painting designs that are similar to graffiti. Additionally, she does not use water-soluble paints, and the colors are very bright and used in excess. The damages include painting a Redwood tree in the property, and infringing on private property. Mayor Ruskin, provided a brief overview of what has been happening with this issue, since he has received communications from staff on the issue. Ed Everett, stated that the City is aware of the problem and has asked Pac Bell not to paint, and apparently they are still doing it. Pac Bell has submitted plans, but none of them has been approved yet. City Manager Everett asked if a Pac Bell representative was present to apologize for their over zealous approach; no one came forth. JOINT COUNCIL MEETING June 11, 2001 MINUTES PAGE 2 MINUTES Book No. 58 Page No. 424