CCMIN072109 - Laserfiche WebLink

Mr. Fialho requested and confirmed that the list of improvements be reflected consistent with the criteria used for regional improvements and as reflected in the initial study. He confirmed that Pleasanton does not support the project as currently prioritized with SR 84 at the bottom of the list; what it does support is the original conclusions of that report as reflected by the Triangle Study Group. Mr. Dolan noted that the Triangle Project may continue to change and explained that staff has added Program 9.2, calling out the specific requirement that SR84 be expanded to 4 lanes between Highway 680 and Pigeon Pass Road. Councilmember Thorne questioned what assurances the city has that the former West Las Positas interchange site will not be developed. City Attorney Roush replied that a letter was issued to Caltrans last summer asking them to consider surplusing and selling that property to the City. Caltrans considered for some time and responded with a letter stating the site was still being studied and that they could not yet say. He said that although Caltrans could presumably seek to develop the site, the possibility is unlikely without it being part of our Circulation Element. He explained that if Caltrans did attempt to do so in a way inconsistent with its purpose, the project would be subject to city's General Plan and zoning regulations. Councilmember McGovern referenced farming as discussed in the General Plan, noted that it encourages agriculture only outside the urban growth boundary, and suggested the policy be reconsidered. She referenced a letter from Laverne Sportono of Sportono Ranch which indicated a desire to annex into Pleasanton. She said the policy should state support for the maintenance of 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. City Council Minutes Page 7 of 14 July 21, 2009