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library would offer computers within the stack areas; a computer workroom for technology based classes, and automated check -in systems. She supported Option C, stated appreciation for the balcony design, and requested that the community move forward with this plan. Margo Tarver, Library Commission, addressed the key requirements in a new library. She said that current space is insufficient in terms of group study areas, reading area, a teen area, and meeting rooms. She explained that staff has had to prioritize use, ruling out some of those non library uses which would like the opportunity to access the space. She said that as the most highly used civic building in the city, the library deserves a place of prominence along Main Street and to be highlighted within the civic center. She said that a library should be the living room of the community, offering a warm and comfortable place for residents to come together. She requested that the Council keep these needs in mind when considering plan options. Valerie Arkin, Library Commission, spoke on how the library would positively impact the business community as well as provide the city with an attractive gateway. She said that Option C, placing the new library at the foot of Main Street, would increase downtown traffic and therefore increase traffic to merchants and restaurants. She noted that the Chamber of Commerce's 2015 Community Vision mentions a new downtown civic center and expanded library. Pleasanton prides itself on offering attractive public spaces and that this option offers the perfect blend of modern technology with small town traditions and values. The long -term value of this opportunity warrants the monetary costs and she urged the Council to act now while costs are down. Current as well as future federal stimulus dollars may be available for this type of project and she noted that they are typically allocated to shovel ready projects. She requested that the Council direct staff to initiate the process that would make this a shovel ready project 1 year from now. She also requested that the Council direct staff to actively engage the business community in this process. Kelly Cousins, Library Commission, shared photos of several new local area libraries and cited Livermore, Dublin, San Ramon, Walnut Creek, and Castro Valley as those who have opened such in the last 5 years. She cited Livermore as the closest example of what is proposed for Pleasanton and said it would be a place of pride for this community. She said that she believes public libraries to be one of America's best ideas, as a place for the community to gather for a variety of activities. She encouraged a plan which promotes bicycle access and parking. She urged the Council to take advantage of the current economy by moving ahead with this integrated plan. Laura Danielson, Library Commission, said she enjoys the frenetic energy of the library but can recognize its limitations in terms of youth space. Children in the community enjoy the library and are lacking for a safe space to congregate that fosters a sense of study and promotes the most popular media. She asked that the Council seriously consider Option C1 and said she could not think of a better thing for this community. She thanked Ms. Farnsworth and the entire library staff for their tremendous work in a well -used and well -loved space. Councilmember McGovern referred to the estimate for Option C1 and doubted that $70 million would accomplish all the features anticipated. She shared additional concern that this may interfere with the promise to complete another phase of the Bernal park in the next several years. She shared difficulties with understanding the combined financial projections of the Bernal park, library, teen center, community center, and Lions Wayside Park. She fully supports a new top of the line library but needs assurance that its expense will meet the needs of the community and can be supported by the city's budget. She suggested alternatives to the proposal which have been mentioned before, such as moving civic offices to Hacienda Business City Council Minutes Page 7 of 9 October 6, 2009