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16. Review and approve a Memorandum of Understanding for the designation of a permanent Altamont Communter Express (ACE) Train Station City Traffic Engineer Mike Tassano presented the staff report, stating that the Altamont Commuter Express (ACE) Train Station has operated at the same location on Pleasanton Avenue for nearly 15 years. The site was first identified as an interim lot in 1998, with a three year horizon on the interim status, in order to determine the noise, safety and circulation impacts on the local community. In 2001 it was recommended to keep the station in a centralized downtown location was examining the potential to include the Bernal property in the Bernal Specific Plan — Phase II, which ultimately was not the selected alternative. The Pleasanton ACE station has the second highest ridership of all stations along the route with over 600 passengers entering and exiting the station daily. The station also contains a multi-use parking lot shared with the Alameda County Fairgrounds for staff and weekend events. In the Fall of 2012, Pleasanton teamed with Alameda County to make certain modifications to Pleasanton Avenue including construction of a new bus pullout pocket, adjustments to the fairgrounds site to allow proper bus circulation to and from Bernal Avenue, construction of a new sidewalk on the east side, a lighted crosswalk, and repaving of the entire multi-use lot. Both parties agreed that this would be made a permanent location following completion of these improvements as the interim status presents certain obstacles in attempting to secure funding for additional future improvements. The proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) would recognize this as a permanent location and establishes a funding agreement that calls for Alameda County Fairgrounds to contribute 25% of needed funds, with the remaining 75% from Pleasanton. The MOU also discusses ongoing operations, which are in consistent with the practices and policies adhered to over the past 14 years. Councilmember Brown asked and Mr. Tassano confirmed that the multi-use lot is free to the public. She asked whether there is any concern that the County may change its policy in allowing use of the lot. Mr. Fialho said "no," this agreement resolves any outstanding dispute pertaining to use of the lot. Mayor Thorne opened the item for public comment Eileen Ng, office of Alameda County Supervisor Nate Miley, thanked the Council for considering the proposed MOU and City staff for their work in developing the agreement. Mayor Thorne closed public comment. MOTION: It was M/s by Brown/Cook-Kallio to approve a Memorandum of Understanding with the County of Alameda designating the Alameda County Fairgrounds Pleasanton Avenue Park lot as the permanent Altamont Communter Express (ACE) Train Station. Motion passed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Brown, Cook-Kallio, Pentin, Mayor Thorne Noes: None Absent: One Vacancy MATTERS INITIATED BY COUNCIL Mayor Thorne requested and received Council support to agendize consideration of a letter supporting the Governor's initiative to streamline and modernize the California Environmental Quality Act and associated processes. COUNCIL REPORTS City Council Minutes Page 8 of 9 February 5, 2013