COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Board of Supervisors

DATE:

July 9, 2007

BOARD MEETING DATE:

August 7, 2007

SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:

None

VOTE REQUIRED:

Majority

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Rose Jacobs Gibson

SUBJECT:

Roadway Solicitation Ordinance

RECOMMENDATION:

Adopt an ordinance adding section 7.110.050 to Chapter 7.110 of Title 7 of the San Mateo County Ordinance Code adding a termination date to the Roadway Solicitation Ordinance.

VISION ALIGNMENT:

Commitment: Responsive, effective and collaborative government.

Goal(s): # 22 County and local governments effectively communicate, collaborate and develop strategic approaches to issues affecting the entire County.

BACKGROUND:

On July 1, 2006, the Roadway Solicitation Ordinance went into effect. The purpose of this ordinance was to address the safety hazards caused by persons congregating along busy county streets to solicit work. This activity had brought increased traffic to already congested areas and caused drivers to be distracted and to make unsafe stops. Workers were darting out into the roadway to solicit employment and created a safety hazard to themselves and the motoring public.

In May of 2006, the County entered into a two year contract with the Multicultural Institute to provide a day worker program that would provide matching services for employers seeking day laborers and for workers seeking day labor employment. Rather than using a day worker center, the Multicultural Institute provides street-based outreach to day laborers and employers, as well as other employer communications. The program focuses on connecting day laborers to existing training opportunities and social services.

DISCUSSION:

The first year of the Multicultural Institute’s program has demonstrated significant progress in addresses the various concerns surrounding day workers. This is due to positive cooperation between the contractor staff, the day workers, employers, law enforcement, social service agencies and local residents and businesses. Communication has been key to the success of the cooperative nature of the program. Monthly meetings with representatives from my office, the Sheriff’s Office, the Human Services Agency and Public Works Department allow for the resolution of concerns before problems arise.

Through their presence on the street, Multicultural Institute staff are educating the day workers to not stand in the street or dart out into the roadway. The staff is also educating the drivers to not park illegally or stop in the roadway. These efforts have resulted in a decrease of safety hazards that existed prior to the adoption of the ordinance and consequently, law enforcement has not needed to use the provisions of the Roadway Solicitation Ordinance.

Based upon the significant improvement that has occurred through the above described efforts, it appears that the Roadway Solicitation Ordinance may no longer be needed. It is my recommendation that a sunset clause be added to the Roadway Solicitation Ordinance which would repeal the ordinance effective December 31, 2007. I would also recommend that the Human Services Agency be directed to continue to monitor the Multicultural Institute's program and that the Board be notified prior to the expiration of this ordinance if it appears that this program is not meeting its objectives.

FISCAL IMPACT:

None.