AgdaPkt 2012-04-23 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

6.1.A. - Page 12 to the public with Mr. McCallum. Mayor Aguirre expressed her thanks and said that the City's Public Information Manager will make information on this available on the listserv. James Lee, representing Occupy Redwood City, spoke about the fire at the Le Mar Trailer Park and in support of efforts to help them. He said they have helped out with the clean-up efforts, were shocked by the level of damage and conditions, and said that the community along the bay shore has been traditionally underserved and impoverished. He said there is a resident of the Le Mar Trailer Park, Fred Serrato Rios, who can speak to some of problems at mobile home park. Emily Schnipper, resident and a member of Occupy Redwood City, said she is on the media team with James Lee and also spoke in support of Ricardo Serrato Rios and other Le Mar residents regarding the conditions there. She opined that while it is understood the inspections are not under City jurisdiction, residents should be given resources on who they can report violations to because these people do not know who to contact and they must contend with possible displacement. She also spoke in support of people living along the bay shore given the Saltworks project. Ricardo Serrato Rios, a resident of the Le Mar Trailer Park, spoke about conditions there and how they have been trying to reach the state for assistance without success. He asked for help regarding the problems and issues with property management and stated that inspectors have come out but nothing is done. He said that two to three different homes were destroyed in the fire, but they need help with more than that pertaining to contamination issues like black mold and asbestos. Dr. Robert Bell provided an update: last weekend, the Fire Department had a fund raiser for those impacted by the fire. They are trying to help address fire issues on state land, which is not under the jurisdiction of the city. He asked Fire Chief Skinner to exchange contact information with Mr. Rios for assistance and for help in contacting the right individuals at the state level. One Council Member clarified with staff that certain things, such as health, falls under the jurisdiction of the County and the fire falls under the jurisdiction of the state. Chief Skinner confirmed that the fire in this area is under the jurisdiction of the state, but they have worked with them on the issues and they will look at doing a joint inspection soon. This Council Member commented that the city has been diligent in providing assistance and expending City resources to try and help out regardless of jurisdiction. He noted that the City had provided assistance with raw sewage a few years ago. Mayor Aguirre noted that Emerald Hills and North Fair Oaks areas are also part of the same community under County jurisdiction, and many people do not know. The same Council Member spoke in favor of the City being a resource to help direct people. Rodrigo Picon said he is currently a taxi driver in Redwood City, is representing all taxi drivers, and they have submitted a letter and signatures. He asked for help from the City and the police department for more regulation and enforcement. He noted they pay CITY COUNCIL February 6, 2012 MEETING MINUTES PAGE 3