8A Consent 2007 0305 - Laserfiche WebLink

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DRAFT MINUTES Page 9 City of San Leandro City Council and San Leandro Redevelopment Agency Joint Meeting-February 5, 2007 City Manager Jermanis gave background on the issue of community standards which prompted the amendments to these ordinances and introduced Community Relations Representative Kathy Ornelas. Ms. Ornelas described the ordinances proposed for adoption, highlighting the differences between the current and proposed ordinances. Vice Mayor Grant inquired whether violations of the ordinances would be more actively enforced than the current ordinances. Mr. J ermanis noted that the passage of these ordinances would raise the level of expectation with regard to enforcement. Community compliance will become a greater function of existing police resources, and the Police Department's resources will be reviewed to ensure it can provide the necessary level of enforcement. Mr. J ermanis indicated that staff will try to abate the more chronic problems first. He noted that the enforcement will be stepped up gradually, while an educational effort is undertaken to make residents aware of the new regulations and the reasons for them. Councilmember Starosciak asked about oversized passenger vehicles such as Hummers. Ms. Ornelas indicated that the Police Department can exercise discretion, and their intent would be to direct enforcement toward commercial vehicles rather than passenger vehicles. Councilmember Souza commented that the City should be prepared to address the comments of residents whose livelihoods are impacted by these new regulations. Councilmember Stephens commented that after two years of dealing with the issue on Lewis Avenue, he less concerned about the issue of impacting some residents' livelihoods as in reducing blight. He applauded staff for bringing these changes forward and the City Manager for his commitment to stronger enforcement. Councilmember Stephens noted that there are people throughout the community who are looking to the City to address these issues. Mayor Santos concurred with Councilmember Stephens, stating that it was never intended that the City have tractors parked in residential driveways or old ambulances and fire trucks parked on residential streets. Public Comments on Items lO.C. and D.: Joe Collier, San Leandro resident, addressed the City Council, complimenting staff for working to strengthen the ordinances. Mr. Collier related problems with a neighbor who parks and maintains his commercial vehicle in a residential area. End of Public Comments on Items lO.C. and D.: Mayor Santos inquired about possible amendments to strengthen the Community Preservation Ordinance. Mr. J ermanis commented that there is more to be done in the area of community preservation, and more changes will come to the Council based on staff s ability to provide the appropriate level of enforcement.