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Max Keech, presented the four awards to the Council, including the Platinum Founding Partner Awards for Economic Vitality partnership, which recognizes the first six partners who joined together to create an economic vitality plan for the entire County. Mr. Keech said Redwood City was one of the founding six, and one of the leaders in that effort, providing leadership and vision. Mr. Keech said implementation of the various action plans is now under way, and City Manager Everett and Building and Inspections Manager John LaTorra have provided expertise in economic vitality issues and streamlining permit processes. He thanked the City for its participation and congratulated them on winning the awards. The Council and assemblage applauded the efforts of the City and staff. MEMO 9/23/97 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (203) A. Tina Terranova, Antiques on Broadway, on the 2200 block of Broadway, told Council that the Climate Best Fest was extremely disappointing, as the Port celebrated its 60th Anniversary on that weekend with a Port Festival, and the Festival booths, etc. extended along Main Street and only one block of Broadway. Ms. Terranova said the Fest highlighted the City's construction rather than the shops on Broadway, and said the merchants felt neglected. She said the Optimists Club representatives who operate the Fest, with City approval, told the Broadway merchants they would be included, but in fact, they were not. Ms. Terranova, said the Fest was poorly attended and that reflected badly on downtown Redwood City. Ms. Terranova made the following suggestions to assist the downtown merchants: light up the little trees along Broadway all year long, take out the parking meters, provide incentive for merchants to stay open on weekends, and attract a large vendor. Council Members said they shared her concerns and advised that the new Economic Development Coordinator, Pat Webb, would begin in a few weeks, and working with the downtown merchants would be one of her top priorities. Council Members discussed the Council's relationship with the Port and the Port Commissioners, the Optimists Club Climate Best Fest organizers' decisions, and the role and responsibility of the Council when it approves letter permits and proclamations. Council members asked Ms. Terranova to tell the Optimist Club what she told the Council, thanked her for her enthusiasm and for coming forward with this information, and reconfirmed that the new Economic Development Coordinator would be in contact with her and other downtown merchants. Councilman Leipzig asked staff for a report regarding this issue. MEMO 9/22/97 B. Menassa Abinader, 2114 Broadway, echoed Ms. Terranova's sentiments, and said the Broadway merchants needed the City's help. He said the situation was getting desperate for a few of the merchants, and the Climate Best Fest's treatment of them did not help. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTE BOOK NO. 55 SEPTEMBER 22, 1997 MINUTES Page No. 536 PAGE 2