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while improving the quality of life for residents living near train crossings. Since its inception 678 quiet zones have been established, some of which are in the cities of Fremont, Campbell, Berkeley, Richmond, San Rafael and Sacramento. In 2007 the City Council, backed by a petition signed by 750 residents in support of quiet zones, explored the issue and found that each crossing would cost approximately $400,00 to upgrade. Vice Mayor Brown said that while the item did not receive the minimum required votes to be included in the Work Plan, she would like to see the item return during the next process in several years. She thanked Mr. Beliakoff for sharing some information that was new to her and stressed the importance of speaking at, rather than after, these priority setting meetings. Gary Mellow, ACE Train employee, attested to the accuracy of most of Mr. Beliakoffs points. He explained that with quiet zones an engineer is no longer required to blow the horn and in fact generally only does so when there is a present safety concern. He further explained that quiet zone improvements make the crossing virtually foolproof and tremendously enhance safety in addition to reducing noise. He stated that ACE is in the middle of its ACE Forward initiative to expand service over the next 5 years. This increase in service will require some corresponding mitigations and, while he could not make promises on behalf of ACE, he said he believed it is something they would be willing to work with the city on. Mr. Fialho suggested that the City Engineer could serve as a primary liaison between Mr. Beliakoff and ACE and provide whatever information and support he might need to help pursue this. Vice Mayor Brown closed public comment. MOTION: It was m/s by Narum/Olson to adopt the 2015/2016 City Council Work Plan Priorities, as amended by Vice Mayor Brown concerning the Hacienda PUDs. Motion passed by the following vote: AYES: Councilmembers Narum, Olson, Pentin, Vice Mayor Brown NOES: None ABSENT: Mayor Thorne Councilmember Narum concurred with Councilmember Olson regarding the Zoning Code update. She too acknowledged the enormity of the undertaking and assumed it to be something staff would begin to address once major efforts like the East Pleasanton Specific Plan and Hacienda PUDs are complete. Councilmember Pentin also concurred and said he would like to see it return in 2016 for consideration. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:37 p.m. The Council extended a tribute to our nation's men and women serving in the military. We wish to honor the memories of those who have died in past wars in defense of our country, including those who have died in the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Respectfully submitted, Karen Diaz City Clerk City Council Minutes Page 9 of 9 March 17,2015