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OF REDWOOD CITY FOR THE DURATION OF "YELLOW RIBBON MONTH," AND ENCOURAGING THE RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES IN REDWOOD CITY TO SUPPORT OUR ARMED FORCES. The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote by those present. C. Proposed resolution encouraging the prevention of abuse, neglect and abandonment of senior citizens within Redwood City Council Member Ruskin stated his reason for bringing this resolution before Council is to help prevent elder abuse in the community. He stated that it is generally agreed by health care authorities that senior citizens at the greatest risk of abuse and neglect can suffer physical impairments and other poor health while they are in dependent and vulnerable positions. Preventing such abuse or neglect is one of our City's most important duties and senior citizens deserve to live free of elder abuse or the threat of it and we have a responsibility to take steps to prevent elder abuse or investigate complaints. He further stated that the proposed resolution will allow the City to increase and augment the protection of elders from abuse in a cost effective way at a time when budget cuts at the State and County level will probably reduce such protection. He explained the two key components of the resolution to be walk through visits and accompanying of the San Mateo Ombudsman to inspect the elder care facility in response to any complaints of elder abuse. He further stated that the Police Chief has assured him that this will cause no undue burden on the City budget or Police Department. Marie Walsh, representing the Senior Affairs Commission, stated that the issue was thoroughly discussed and that the Commission agreed that the resolution is necessary, unanimously supporting it. She stated that there is no nursing home that cannot stand some scrutiny and she highly recommended adopting the resolution. Yolanda Kohnert, regional Ombudsman, thanked Council for continued support and stated that Ombudsman Services of San Mateo, Inc. would like to enthusiastically endorse the resolution. She stated the belief that this would provide a win -win situation for the nursing home residents, their families and friends, the police and ombudsman. She stated that the goal is to be accountable and come into compliance and explained the unfortunate situation where a nursing home was closed in Redwood City almost three years ago. She further stated full support in assisting with the visits. Council asked some questions related to the role of the Ombudsman and why the City might get involved in the proposed program. Council Member Ruskin stated the background leading up to the proposal and his discussion with the various stakeholders. KEGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES APRIL 28, 2003 PAGE 10