REFERRAL TO THE FINANCE AND ECONOMIC RESILIENCY COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS TAKING WHATEVER ACTION IS NECESSARY, INCLUDING ALLOCATING FUNDING, TO IMPROVE OVERALL CLEANLINESS AND AESTHETIC APPEAL OF THE CITY’S SIDEWALKS, STREETS, AND NEIGHBORHOODS.

Please place on the April 3, 2024 agenda a referral to the April 19, 2024 meeting of the Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee to discuss taking whatever action is necessary, including allocating funding, to improve overall cleanliness and aesthetic appeal of the city’s sidewalks, streets, and neighborhoods.

The overall cleanliness and aesthetic appeal of all our sidewalks, streets, and neighborhoods are fundamental to the positive image of our community. I would like FERC to discuss taking action to make improvements in this area, including, but not limited to, the following:

1. Find ways to develop more uniformity in the appearance and maintenance of our sidewalks, streets, and lighting fixtures to contribute to a cohesive and attractive environment. Moving forward discuss one color option for a uniform sidewalk look.
2. Investigate latest upgrades to street lighting to energy-efficient, uniform fixtures that provide optimal visibility and enhance safety while contributing to the overall aesthetic curb appeal.
3. Emphasize through signage the importance of cleanliness to residents and visitors and encourages responsible behavior. Signage throughout the city reminding everyone to dispose of trash properly and maintain cleanliness standards.
4. Clean high-traffic areas more frequently, and empty trash bins more regularly to prevent litter buildup.
5. Invest in more state-of-the-art cleaning technology and additional equipment to improve efficiency and effectiveness. This might include purchasing high-powered vacuums, and innovative waste management systems.
6. Explore implementing added schedules for sidewalk cleaning ensuring sidewalks are kept free from litter, debris, and stains.
7. Develop a campaign to encourage residents and visitors to take pride in their community by disposing of litter responsibly, respecting public spaces, and reporting any issues regarding cleanliness or maintenance promptly.
8. Consider lockable or secured dumpsters and trash bins to prevent persons from rummaging through trash.
9. Foster more collaboration with local businesses, community organizations, and tourism stakeholders to promote a shared responsibility for maintaining cleanliness.
10. Allocate sufficient resources, including funding, equipment, and personnel, to support extra enhanced sanitation efforts.

I would like the FERC to discuss this item along with Commissioner Suarez’s pending FERC item regarding improved sanitation efforts, and I request the City Administration to be prepared to discuss the suggestions and options raised here, including an estimate of the funding that is available or that would need to be allocated to implement these items.