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Under SchoolslEducationlChildrenIY outh, Councilwoman La Berge expressed her strong support for Item 3 Youth Advisory Board, and recommended Number 8 which would establish a neighborhood improvement fund that would encourage our Neighborhood Associations to apply for grants. (Councilwoman La Berge had to leave the meeting at this point to catch a plane to Washington D.C.) Councilman Claire referred to Item 5 and said gang activity in Redwood City is a very serious problem and agreed with Councilman Ruskin that this subject was one of the Council's highest problems. Councilman Ruskin said gangs "can poison a community and we need to continue to be vigilant." He recommended that the County/City Task force continue, and the Police Department put more emphasis in the schools through DARE and GREAT programs as well as others. Mayor Hartnett commended the Police Department for their creative programs and emphasis on youth including PAL, DARE, GREAT, the tattoo removal program, and special enforcement units with the Sheriffs office. He said it was important for the Council to let the Chief know that they support the direction that has been taken, and he asked for I) a continuing assessment ITom the Chief, and 2) as a policy, based upon the Chiefs assessment and recommendation, and our independent views, "what more do we need to do as a City, and what do we do to back that up with money and bodies?" Councilman Claire said he concurred with the Mayor that Police Chief Bolanos has done an excellent job in addressing gang issues in Redwood City, and asked that the Council hold a study session regarding gang activity in the City. He said that other cities are doing more than Redwood City, such as instituting curfews, and asked if that was an issue in Redwood City. He said the City must pursue every avenue possible to reduce the threat of gangs. Councilman Claire said "I believe it is not only the Police Chief, but working together with schools, the City" is the way to emphasize this problem and seek solutions. In response to Councilwoman Buchan's questions regarding the enforceability of the current curfew ordinance, City Attorney Schricker said "To address current problems, I would recommend revising the ordinance we do have. You need a more sophisticated ordinance which balances individual rights more than the present provisions do." MEMO 2/8/97 ADJOURNED REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTE BOOK NO. 55 FEBRUARY 8, 1997 MINUTES Page No. 144 PAGE 14