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. . - some extent aesthetics. In order for me to ensure the Council that the aesthetic principle is being treated as well as it can be, I need to bring on an expert in that regard; and hope therefore to create a kind of creative tension between the members of ---- the team, to make sure that not only are utility and safety being considered, but aesthetics is being considered, so when this project is done, it looks good." Councilman Ruskin said "We are going to begin immediately... on signage." He added that the Team chose a 60 day period to correct violations because the City has not been strictly enforcing the sign ordinance. Councilman Ruskin said, "I feel we have let our signage ordinances lapse to an extent. We haven't enforced the kind of standards the community would like. But I think that when you begin a new program to some extent you can get more bees with honey than you can with vinegar. And I want to bring people along with this program.... If we give people 60 days instead of 30 days, and that makes them feel a little less coerced and a little more understanding of what we are doing, then for my part it is worth the little extra time." Councilman Ruskin said, "I think we need to have a very aggressive attitude toward working with other sovereign units such as CalTrans or other county or state organizations. If their initial response is not to oblige us, then I think we need to be very aggressive and to pursue it until we get what we need to beautify our community; and, we will take an aggressive posture. Hopefully we won't have to go out there and invite a law suit, but we will be aggressive." Councilman Ruskin advised that he was very interested in the comments of the earlier - speakers regarding permits and trees and said he would also be looking into this matter. MEMO 2/25/97 Vice Mayor Howard commended Councilman Ruskin and the Team's efforts for the very thorough report. She said she and other members of the Pride and Beautification Committee had attended many of the Code Enforcement Team meetings, and agreed that E1 Camino Real was a good place to start. She noted that there was good business support for beautification efforts including the P&B Committee's spring clean-up: two major real estate brokers have already volunteered their efforts to clean-up the north and south entryways ofEl Camino Real. She also said Woodside Road and Whipple needed attention, but given the City's limited resources and business support of starting with El Camino Real she said she would support the Team's recommendation. Vice Mayor Howard suggested that instead of hiring a landscape architect, the City could hold a Charette (designers working in teams for a brief period of time to produce designs for a specific project or area) like San Carlos did; and also utilize the services of the Council appointed Architectural Advisory Committee. She said she would prefer the community be involved in the decisions rather than an outside consultant. - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MIWJTE BOOK NO. 55 FEBRUARY 24, 1997 MINUTES Page No. 173 PAGE 12