Laserfiche WebLink
not, on the idea. He also assured the Council that there would be some acknowledgement of the need <br /> to implement some sort of low-income criteria with respect to any fee. He stated that all five sports <br /> organizations have provided very positive feedback and seem motivated to participate in the <br /> fundraising efforts with the City. <br /> Councilmember Thorne said it became apparent about one year ago that this project could not be <br /> completed with City funds alone. At that time, he reached to the presidents of the local sports <br /> organizations, some of whom were forced to practice outside of Pleasanton, to begin discussing <br /> possible funding methods. They then folded staff into the discussion and are now here tonight to <br /> present the initial concept to the Council. <br /> Mayor Hosterman said there has been a real need for additional sports opportunities in Pleasanton for <br /> a long time. She said the park belongs to the people of Pleasanton and she really appreciates the idea <br /> of giving various groups the opportunity to take ownership in a meaningful way. She suggested there <br /> might be other interest groups or individuals that would embrace doing the same for the oak woodland <br /> portion of the project. <br /> Councilmember McGovern said this is something that she, the Council and the entire community are <br /> really looking forward to. She referred back to the mid-year budget report of June 2012 and called out <br /> several funds that could be looked at to support the effort. These include urban forestry money, <br /> Measure D funds, Doherty valley fees, traffic fees from the Bernal property, and general trails money. <br /> She noted that the report also discusses the potential to make changes in how in lieu fees can be made <br /> available to other projects such as this. She suggested that if staff zeroed in on these areas the project <br /> might be advanced even sooner, though she did also express concern that there may be unintended <br /> traffic and parking impacts if this turns into a real regional sports complex. She said she looked forward <br /> to sitting down with the finance committee to see how they can reduce the $5 million gap to a number <br /> that seems more attainable in terms of fundraising. <br /> Councilmember Sullivan asked if EBRPD Measure WW funds are guaranteed. <br /> Mr. Fialho explained that Measure WW funds are essentially a reimbursement to the City. In the case of <br /> the aquatic center, the City allocated its own General Fund monies towards the current renovation <br /> project and then seeks reimbursement from EBRPD. Once the City is reimbursed for its upfront <br /> contribution, those monies will be allocated to the Bernal property. <br /> Councilmember Sullivan asked how much has been raised versus pledged for the Firehouse Arts <br /> Center. <br /> Mr. Fialho said a total of $2.5 million was pledged, $1 million of which has been collected. The <br /> remaining $1.5 million will be collected over time. <br /> Councilmember Sullivan asked staff to break down the cost of the oak woodland area. <br /> Mr. Fialho said the oak woodland area is estimated to cost $4.2 million. <br /> Councilmember Cook-Kallio said she spoke with Ms. Andrade-Wax earlier to relate a concern from a <br /> member of the public that the project may not adequately serve or involve kids who might be looking to <br /> play for fun rather than as part of an organized effort. She asked staff to address how passive time is <br /> addressed with respect to the City's fields. <br /> Ms. Andrade-Wax said that the Sports Council works with City staff to allocate field use. Last year, the <br /> Parks and Recreation Commission approved a field allocation policy that reserves fields based on <br /> Pleasanton residency or the percentage of residents versus non-residents on a given team. While the <br /> playing and practice time is allocated for these users, specific time is also set aside at reasonable hours <br /> City Council Minutes Page 4 of 6 September 18, 2012 <br />