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had raised over $24,000 ofthe $26,500 they needed for the trip. The 12-member squad, all of whom have a GPA of 3.5 or higher, performed a pep routine for the Council and the audience. Council Member Claire advised that a State law called the Brown Act does not allow govemment entities to take action on an item that is not already on the agenda. He suggested that this item be put on the upcoming agenda at the beginning of the agenda. MEMO 1/27/98 Council Member Leipzig said, "I am against using public funds for charities of this nature. I am 100% behind the Cherokees and Sequoia High School, even though I did go to Woodside High School. I am opposed to, and have been in the past, using funds of this nature. The public pays the taxes, and we do not have a right, as elected officials, to be in the charity business. What I think we can do is avoid that conflict and solve the problem tonight. I think we will all agree that we are going to support you and watch the game. If they need $2,000, that is about $290 per person from each member of the Council, and I would be willing to make that contribution tonight so they can have their $2,000 and we could keep the taxpayers out of it and support them. n Vice Mayor Ruskin said, "I understand that Council Member Leipzig's motives are genuine, and he has a philosophy that I respect. I know his remarks are sincere. There is an element of putting people on the spot, and I think our business here is not private business, it is public business. Whatever I might decide to give to this or any other charity privately, I will do privately. I am here to make public decisions and people came here tonight asking if the City would give money to support this as evidence of our support to productive behavior. I think it is best that we make our decision in terms of what we do as a public body and not to put people on the spot and asking them to make private decisions publicly. I see nothing wrong in having the City make a show of support for a cause like this. When it comes back, I'll be happy to discuss it again, but I wanted to rnake a statement in response to Council Member Leipzig." Council agreed to schedule this item for the February 2 Council agenda for discussion and decision. MEMO 1/27/98 Pam Stilleson, San Carlos, whose daughter is on the squad, advised they would be leaving on Thursday for the Sunday game. She said the Sequoia Foundation had temporarily lent them the money to make the trip, they had raised over $24,000 but needed $26,500, and they were asking the Council to fund the balance ofthe trip. City Attorney Schricker explained that the Council has a fund for Community Promotion, and as long as the Sequoia High School Spirit Squad was representing Redwood City, the Council could vote to contribute towards the trip. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTE BOOK NO. 56 JANUARY 26, 1998 MINUTES Page No. 174 PAGE 2