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" - legislation had been introduced this year to assist cities in dealing with this problem in a more expedient manner. - Councilman Leipzig reported that the City was engaged in a program of shopping cart abatement including education, flyers (in English and Spanish) and posters to change attitudes, and had established a test program using warning citations issued by Redwood City Police. He suggested that the program continue and be monitored, and if necessary the City could go to the next step, a penalty phase. In response to Councilman Leipzig's questions regarding last year's law, Councilman Ruskin said that the law did hinder cities as they were not allowed to impound carts for three days, and the new legislation would allow impound 24 hours after a notice had been issued. He said that cities ought not be prohibited by the state in protecting the health and welfare of their own communities. Councilman Ruskin said education efforts were important, but only a small part of the solution. He added that he was now serving on the League's Public Safety Subcommittee and would keep Council informed of the legislation's progress. Mayor Pro Tem Howard asked Public Works Supervisor Mann to submit a report to Council outlining the shopping cart abatement program and what had worked and what hadn't worked so far. MEMO 3/25/97 --- City Manager Everett reported that the problem of abandoned shopping carts has plagued all areas populated with at least one market with shopping carts, and no city had yet figured out a good way to get rid of this problem. He said that cities needed to learn ITom each other and keep trying different things. Councilman Leipzig said "I'd be happy if we could get to the level of other cities... We have a bigger problem than other cities... My goal through our Committee was to at least make a dent in this problem." He said he did not want the City to sit back and wait for others to solve this problem. Councilwoman Buchan advised she would contact Assemblyman Lempert's office and check the State's Website to find out the latest information, and to monitor legislation passed last year and proposed this year relating to abandoned shopping cart abatement efforts. MEMO 3/25/97 B. Councilwoman La Berge reported that since she had retired ITom the College she and her husband had begun taking part in the programs for seniors offered by the City. She said she was very proud of the many wonderful services offered, and she had joined a walking group and a Spanish class at the Senior Center. She commented on how busy the Center --- was, including its computer room, and said she just wanted everyone to know there were lots of senior activities going on in Redwood City while the rest of the City was working. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTE BOOK NO. 55 MARCH24,1997 MINUTES Page No. 217 PAGE 6