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1) Staff report; REPORT: Senior Building Inspector Schnell, July 14, 1997 Senior Building Inspector Schnell presented the staff report, and said the development of the proposed newsrack Ordinance had been in progress for over a year. He said currently the City had no control over the proliferation of different shapes and colors and placement of newsracks. Inspector Schnell introduced Karen Chew, former Redwood City Building Inspector, who began the research on the proposed Ordinance, and described the many meetings and negotiations they had with the newspapers. Inspector Schnell described several of the main points in the proposed Ordinance: . Permits must be obtained before a newsrack is placed anywhere, and each will have a tag. Newsracks without tags will be removed at the owner's expense. . Wherever there are more than four newsracks in one place, they must use "modulars". The newspapers wanted eight, the City wanted three, the compromise was four. Any color on four or fewer free standing newsracks will be permitted as long as they meet all the other guidelines; . In the downtown area, all newsracks must be modular, and they will be painted dark green. No free standing newsracks will be allowed in the downtown area; . No newsracks will be allowed within 15 feet of a driveway. This component is consistent with other City Ordinances that require 15 feet for site clearance. . No newsracks will be allowed to block sidewalks. There has to be a five feet clear space on sidewalks. This was also a compromise. Many existing newsracks on sidewalks right now will be removed because of this clause. . A Newsrack Committee will be established with three representatives from the newspapers in the area, approved by the Council, with one-year terms, and this Committee will be the enforcement agency for the proposed Ordinance. If a problem arises, such as graffiti or vandalism or more than four free standing newsracks, the City will call that Committee and the members will address it. It is hoped this will free up staff time that would otherwise go to enforcing the Ordinance. This concept has worked very well in other cities. Inspector Schnell said the City Attorney had suggested giving this Committee a six month trial before making a final decision and that is what staff is recommending. Vice Mayor Howard requested that the Redwood City Almanac, which uses newsracks, be invited to participate as a member of that Committee, if they would like to participate. Inspector Schnell said the Redwood City Almanac publisher would be contacted, and Terry Crandall of the Examiner has said he definitely wants to be a member as well. Vice Mayor Howard also thanked Inspectors Chew and Schnell for their participation in the Pride and Beautification Committee and their response to the community to do something positive about the unsightly newsracks around the City. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTE BOOK NO. 55 WLY 14, 1997 MINUTES Page No. 456 PAGE 19