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. . . . . .. Assistant to the City Manager Moore described the Mentoring program for at risk youth. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------______n_---------- Mayor Howard declared a recess at II :03 a.m. Meeting reconvened at 11: 15 a.m. ----------------------------------------------------------_____n_____--____n______-----------------______n_____------- G. COUNCIL TO ADVOCATE FOR NEW PRIORITIES Council Member Leipzig advised that the Code Enforcement/Clean Up committee would make recommendations to Council shortly. He said code enforcement/clean up was needed in residential as well as commercial areas, and in order for it to be successful every City department had to support it. Council Member Leipzig said traffic/ transportation remained the number one complaint in Redwood City especially in the Redwood Shores Neighborhood. He suggested that the City contact state representatives and Governor Wilson to get something done. He said it was important to hear what the Bair Island Task Force had to report. Council Member Ira said Priority II Communication with the community, should be taken off the list as it would be intolerable not to have good communications with the public. He said he agreed with Council Member Leipzig's emphasis on code enforcement and clean up, and reemphasized the need for art, music and drama - alternatives and other recreation alternatives for Redwood City's youth. Council Member Ruskin advocated for aesthetics, especially in the commercial areas and entryways. He said it was necessary to create a new way of thinking about integrating aesthetics with every project, every permit, including decisions involving beautification efforts, trees, Codes and design. He also advocated for downtown revitalization, the Economic Development Coordinator, and said childcare was as important as housing and transportation. He said childcare should be integrated into all economic development strategies. Council Member Claire spoke in support of a more proactive approach on a regional, state and federal level to resolve traffic issues. He said anti-gang efforts should be coordinated with strong community based programs. Council Member Claire advocated for long range planning to be implemented in all phases of City government. Mayor Howard agreed with Council Member Ruskin that the community needed aesthetics, beautification, and code enforcement for the City to reach its potential. She said if that happens, and clean up of El Camino Real and the waterways as well, people and businesses will come to Redwood City. Mayor Howard said communications with the community haven't been successful, and should remain as a priority. Mayor Howard - said housing is a big problem, and needs to be addressed on many levels, including childcare, open space, recreation, safe transport, and available to all income levels. ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING COUNCIL WORKSHOP MINUTE BOOK NO. 56 JANUARY 31,1998 MINUTES Page No. 203 PAGE 10