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supported an upfront education process. Setting a time limit is important in terms of goals; he recognized the frustration of property owners and recommended duration of 15 months. Vice -Mayor Cook Kallio said she was initially concerned about the tenor of tonight's discussion. She stressed that everyone's input is important to what will be an open and collaborative planning process. She advised that anyone appointed to this task force must make it a priority as the impacts go beyond the immediate community of the park and affect all of Pleasanton. She believed that some property owners would prefer no task force at all and that some residents would like to see it so open -ended that the process is delayed indefinitely. She voiced concern that many residents chose not to attend the 2 neighborhood meetings. This is ultimately an advisory committee and its discussion can be as important as the decision that comes out of it. She agreed that an education process is crucial so that everyone understands the starting point and end goals. She also agreed that the financial impacts to residents should not increase and voiced concern that they are paying for something that they are not aware of receiving or are not receiving at all. She encouraged setting a goal of 12 months, stating that people realize the importance of making decisions when they have a finite amount of time to do so; she also acknowledged that the contentious nature of this topic may give way to certain unintended consequences that would require more time. She suggested leaving the goal set at 12 months with the caveat that, if the task force is making true progress and requires more time, it may request such from the Council. She supported staff's recommendation on the task force and advisory group composition, as well as those additions recommended by Council members. Vice -Mayor Cook Kallio said she is profoundly concerned that some members of the community equate affordable housing with Section 8 housing. She referenced the comments of Ms. Belding at the Council's last meeting and said she was struck by the number of young teachers who cannot afford to reside in Pleasanton because of the cost of housing. She listed several others identified by Ms. Belding, suggested that everyone has been in that position at some point in time, and that not providing for them as a community value is unbelievable. She urged the community to collectively determine how to accommodate for those who are less fortunate and cautioned that failure to do so will have incredible impacts on this community in the future. Councilmember Sullivan supported her comments regarding affordable housing and said this is one reason he so strongly supported this concept. He has never heard comments equating affordable housing with Section 8 and said to raise that issue is somewhat insulting and not in the spirit of an open and honest process. Vice -Mayor Cook Kallio said that while his experience may have been different, people have made those very comments to her outside of Council meetings. Councilmember McGovern noted that the General Plan carries a large thread of sustainability and said that this, as well as a desire for green building, should be included in the scope of this task force. She recommended discussions on the mitigation of noise and air quality impacts, parking issues, potential for recycled water, energy efficiency, solar energy, and playground areas for children. She also recommended that the Iron Horse Trail remain a priority and that the needs for social services support be examined. She said that Pleasanton calls itself the City of planned progress, but stressed that this means careful, and sometimes lengthy, planning. She supported Vice -Mayor Cook- Kallio's suggestion that the task force have an opportunity to request additional time. She said she would like to a field trip offered that examines both highly City Council Minutes Page 12 of 21 November 3, 2009