COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Board of Supervisors

DATE:

August 30, 2007

BOARD MEETING DATE:

September 11, 2007

SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:

None

VOTE REQUIRED:

Majority

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Rose Jacobs Gibson

SUBJECT:

Day Worker Program Update and Roadway Solicitation Ordinance

RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. Accept an update on the Day Worker Program.

2. 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: Ensure basic health and safety for all, and responsive, effective and collaborative government.

Goal 8 and 22: Help vulnerable people – the aged, disabled, mentally ill, at-risk youth and others—achieve a better quality of life, and county and local governments effectively communicate, collaborate and develop strategic approaches to issues affecting the entire County.

The update on the Day Worker Program and change in the Roadway Solicitation Ordinance contribute to these commitments and goals by addressing the public safety and economic concerns of the community.

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 workers and for workers seeking jobs. Rather than using a facility, the Multicultural Institute provides street-based outreach to day workers and employers, as well as other employer communications, and connects day workers to existing training opportunities and social services.

DISCUSSION:

Communication has been key to the success of the cooperative nature of the program. Monthly meetings with representatives from my office, the Multicultural Institute, the Sheriff’s Office, the Human Services Agency and Public Works allow for the resolution of concerns before problems arise.

County staff report that the first year of the Multicultural Institute’s program has demonstrated significant progress in addressing the various concerns surrounding day workers. This is due to positive cooperation among the contractor staff, the day workers, employers, law enforcement, social service agencies and local residents and businesses. Since July 2006, the Institute has served an average of 62 workers per day and maintained an overall match rate (workers getting jobs) of 31%.

Through their presence on the street and ability to establish relationships with the workers, County staff indicate that Multicultural Institute staff are educating the day workers to not stand in the street or dart out into the roadway, and also educating drivers to not park illegally or stop in the roadway. Institute staff advise day workers about pick up procedures, and encourage them to meet employers directly at the worksite or use an established pick-up point in the parking lot of St. Anthony’s Church. 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.