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Councilman Leipzig asked several questions about items in the report: . What is the new training being given to building inspectors to spot, report and follow-up on the most flagrant code violations; . What is staff doing to cause code violation notices to double to 75 per month, since last year; . In response to a question on commercial v. residential inspections, Councilman Ruskin said that when staff was in a residential area looking for code violations, they were also instructed to include nearby commercial areas as well; (Councilman Leipzig said there was an abandoned car with expired tags in ITont of his sister's duplex that he was trying to rent for her, and it had been there for six months.) . Selecting El Camino Real as the rust commercial area to be improved was a good starting point, but asked that the project be expanded to include Woodside Road and entryways, such as WhippleÆl Camino Real entryway; . Why was a landscape architect needed? . Asked that code enforcement regarding signage violations, and others, be done immediately; . Suggested that the City improve the CalTrans islands and not wait for approval, and "let the City Attorney deal with the law suit;" . Expressed approval for the newsletter attached to the report that he had not seen before; . Asked why the proposed letter to commercial code violators gave them 60 days to correct violations, and suggested only 30 days. Councilman Ruskin responded to Councilman Leipzig's concerns: . With respect to Woodside Road, "I'm as concerned as Councilman Leipzig in doing as much as possible, as fast as possible.... (But) there is some merit in not biting off more than you can chew." Councilman Ruskin said he planned to sit down with staff and discuss. "Do we have the ability to do more at the same time?" . In order to enhance code enforcement in the City, building inspectors have received cross-training in order to spot code inITactions when they are out on inspection calls, which is not part of their normal training. In response to Council questions, Building Official La Torra said this training explained the recent doubling of code violation notices issued, and the training was being done in-house. He said the City had tried very hard to involve the residents in reporting violations including a united citizens group. He said the Neighborhood Associations had been a tremendous help, as well as seniors and other groups. La Torra welcomed all suggestions ITom the Council and everyone else. Councilman Ruskin referred to the recommendation for a landscape architect by saying he was also sensitive to hiring consultants, but he added that "I want to make sure that this gets done as well as possible, and the real reason we are doing all this is to improve the aesthetics. Landscape architects are experts and specialists in aesthetics." He said City staff is responsible for "utility, safety, engineering and to REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MIWJTE BOOK NO. 55 FEBRUARY 24, 1997 MINUTES Page No. ] 72 PAGE 11