15A - Laserfiche WebLink

p i v, y NT( �N City Manager's Budget Message INTRODUCTION in police and fire services and underscores the importance of disaster preparedness within the community. In the wake of catastrophic events that have occurred throughout our country and world, Pleasanton seeks to prepare its staff and residents in the event of an emergency. The Fire Department will continue to provide training to area residents through its Citizen Emergency Response Training (CERT) and through internal training of the City Council and staff. The Police Department continues to provide support programs such as Neighborhood Watch, National Night Out and Volunteers in Policing (VIPs) to enhance neighborhood crime fighting capacity. In anticipation of the completion of the West BART station, the proposed transit village and the expansion of Stoneridge mall, the police department in conjunction with the City Manager's office, has received a commitment from Windstar Communities to provide office space in the transit village for the department's needs in north Pleasanton. An additional site at Stoneridge Mall is also being explored. On September 11, 2007, the East Bay Regional Communications System Authority (EBRCSA) was officially created to build, own, and operate a state -of- the -art interoperable public safety radio system for the public agencies within Alameda and Contra Costa counties. Currently there are 35 member agencies consisting of both counties, 29 cities including Livermore and Pleasanton and 4 special districts. The EE3RCSA will replace the jointly owned Livermore Pleasanton 800 MHz radio system that currently services both police agencies and the fire department. The current system is outdated and was scheduled to be replaced during this budget cycle. This budget includes funds to cover the system upgrades and replacement of mobile and hand held radios. New dispatch consoles for both police departments will be provided by the EBRCSA. It is anticipated that EBRCSA will be operational in the Tri- Valley by the end of 2009 to early 2010. Protect and Enhance Pleasanton's Quality of Life The City will continue its investment in the downtown through several anticipated projects. Construction is well underway on the renovation of a former fire station to the Firehouse Arts Center, a 250 -seat performance arts venue and art gallery. This 20,000 square foot facility will feature youth and farnily theater productions, chamber music, jazz concerts, lectures, literary events, and other cultural and community offerings. We are currently working with the FAC task force, with planning direction from the Civic Arts Commission, to develop programming for the facility. Also in development are plans to expand and improve the adjacent Lions Wayside and Delucchi Parks with a renovated bandstand, public art displays and other landscape features designed to compliment the Firehouse Arts Center and other downtown activities. Surveying and assessment is currently underway on the downtown section of the Alameda County Transportation Corridor which will include parking, a pedestrian and bicycle trail, and landscaping consistent with the Downtown Specific Plan. In partnership with the Pleasanton Downtown Association, the City is also planning the design and installation of City identification and downtown way finding signs at major entryways and along major roadways to direct visitors to the downtown.