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. I I . , .. - Theatre and the Council responded to the Commission's request for more funding. The PCS was not involved in that additional funding, as erroneously reported in a newspaper. Dr. Filippi asked that Council Members discuss issues with the Commission as a whole, - and be articulate in its direction to it. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (203) A. Paul Sanfilipo, 138 Woodsworth Avenue, said he had been reading the comments made by several people regarding the recently held Climate Best Fest and promotional activities in the downtown area. He said these festivals were not easy to do, "I know, because I have done them." He said if done well they raise money for the service clubs that sponsor them, and promote business for the downtown merchants. Mr. Sanfilipo said the most successful festival downtown has always been the Fourth of July Festival, adding "I'm the one who organized, formed and established this money-making festival for our City on the Fourth of July. I have ideas that will generate business on the weekends and evenings and greatly enhance the Climate Best Festival." Mr. Sanfilipo said he had knowledge and expertise, and offered his services to the City to work with the new Economic Development Coordinator. Mayor Hartnett thanked Mr. SanfIlipo and said the City would look forward to working with him on these new ideas. B. Manassa Abinader, owner of Spanky's Restaurant on Broadway, said he had earlier - spoken to the Council about maintenance of the planters on Broadway, but nothing had been done. He said two Broadway stores had closed, Schneider's and Way to Go, and the Broadway merchants needed help from the City for downtown to be successful. He said the City should allow only retail stores downtown, not offices on the ground floors. He asked the City to support evening activities in the downtown. Mr. Abinader said most other Peninsula cities have signs directing people to their downtown districts and asked the Council to install such signs in Redwood City. Councilman Claire said the zoning for downtown is "Mixed Use" which allows retail use, and it was up to the property owner to determine how best to use his/her own property. He said he had bought every suit he had ever worn at Schneider's and he was very sad that it was leaving. Councilman Claire said he the manager of Schneider's told him that a restaurant would replace the clothing store. In response to Mayor Hartnett's direction, City Manager Everett advised that staff would contact Mr. Abinader and give him all the information he was requesting regarding the permit process, and what the City was involved in with downtown properties. MEMO 10/7/97 - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTE BOOK NO. 55 OCTOBER 6, 1997 MINUTES Page No. 549 PAGE 2