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quality farmland within the city limits as a means of supporting viticulture and a valuable feature of the community. Mr. Fialho noted that the Sportono's have already annexed their property into the City. Councilmember McGovern questioned if there are any plans to survey the Callippe Preserve for actual presence of the Callippe Silverspot Butterfly. Mr. Fialho said there are plans to survey the site in June 2010, and Councilmember McGovern asked that Tim Belcher, who is devoted to the species, be notified. Councilmember McGovern cited extensive noise complaints from residents of Valley Avenue; with all of the upcoming development in that area, it may be necessary to consider drafting a sound wall ordinance that works hand in hand with the attenuated asphalt to mitigate the quality of life impacts caused by traffic noise. Mayor Hosterman said the issue has been discussed at length by the Congestion Management Agency of Alameda County. She agreed that noise is an issue but said that sound experts have been very clear in that the true benefits of sound walls are more perception than anything else. She noted that, based upon that information, specific segments of freeway improvements have not included sound walls. There are many studies available that discuss the requirements of and appropriate use for sound attenuating shrubbery with the potential to diminish decibel levels more than sound walls. Councilmember McGovern doubted that perception is broadly known and asked how else to protect residents in neighborhoods along arterial streets from suffering such impacts. Mayor Hosterman voiced strong support for further discussion and program development. Vice -Mayor Cook- Kallio noted that in some instances, sound walls buffer noise in the immediate area but actually create a ripple impact that increases those levels slightly further away. Mr. Fialho advised the Council to explore the topic further when a new community or neighborhood development project comes forth. Mayor Hosterman opened the public hearing. John Carroll voiced opposition to the certification of an EIR he does not believe to be complete, stating that supplemental EIR work is still taking place and the public was given inaccurate information in the draft EIR. He said the public was led to believe that the extension of Stoneridge Drive was removed from the General Plan and asked the Council not to move forward with certification until the public has been allowed a full and proper review. He also said that the General Plan's growth strategy is unsustainable and the city should take a strong look at the consequences of that growth ending. Mayor Hosterman closed the public hearing. BREAK: Mayor Hosterman called for a short break and, thereafter, reconvened the regular meeting. Councilmember Sullivan cited the General Plan's new themes and policies and commended the efforts of everyone involved in creating the document. He said that the concepts of climate change, sustainability, energy, and water are all things that many have been advocating for years as part of the core of planning principals. He concurred with Councilmember McGovern on the need for City Council Minutes Page 8 of 15 July 21, 2009