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issue of completing Garms, which is anticipated to provide the bulk of the access to the ridge, in a reasonable time frame. Councilmember Pentin agreed that the completion of Garms would be critical to providing adequate parking with the creation of the trail, which anticipated would rapidly become very popular. Councilmember Olson said he definitely supported the proposed pedestrian crossing. Mayor Thorne opened the item for public comment. Dolores Bengtson, Friends of the Alviso Adobe, extended her sincere thanks to the Council for providing the support to move forward with the Strategic Plan. She said the completed plan provides a successful blueprint for guiding good future decisions regarding improvements, changes and additions to the park, the Austin property and the area that will offer citizens of all ages the opportunity to fully explore the cultural past of Pleasanton. Friends of the Alviso Adobe looks forward to participating in the implementation phase to follow. She said she was surprised that such a major component as a cooperative agreement and parking plan with EBRPD would be introduced without being properly contemplated by and integrated into the Strategic Plan. As proposed, this component would split the Austin property from the Alviso Adobe and overload the park's parking area. She said she also found it odd that the city would work so hard to provide EBRPD with parking when that same consideration was denied the Adobe in order to maintain the quiet and rural atmosphere that would allow for proper interpretation of the park's programs. She felt the southern parking option, with it situated immediately beneath trail access, would be the preferable option. She urged the Council's approval of the Strategic Plan but asked that they allow more time to thoughtfully contemplate the impacts of any parking options. Mayor Thome closed public comment. Councilmember Narum acknowledged the efforts of task force, noting how much was accomplished in under one year. Vice Mayor Brown thanked Ms. Bengtson for her commitment to the park as well as the personal tour she provided, during which they discussion many options for the park that are reflected in the Strategic Plan. Councilmember Pentin indicated his support for the Strategic Plan as well as his appreciation for the work of the task force and the input from Ms. Bengtson. He said he attended a recent meeting with EBRPD at which they indicated additional plans for the Pleasanton Ridge, especially with the additional 2,000 acres they have in the Sunol area. He said that if it were not for the additional staging areas they have planned he would oppose this cooperative access entirely. With an MOU allowing for both this and Garms, he thinks it is a wonderful opportunity to provide the community with more access to the ridge while also providing relief to already overtaxed staging areas. Mayor Thorne congratulated the task force on its work and said he was excited by the prospect of making the park more usable to the community. He also stressed the importance of staff pushing EBRPD to complete the Garms staging area. Councilmember Olson asked if staff has reached out to the Jorgenson Lane property owners. Mr. Fialho explained that the city had extensive discussions, primarily concerning future parking and trail development, with them during consideration of the Austin development. At that time there was considerable opposition to any major activity occurring along the fence line separating Jorgenson Lane and what is now city property. Assuming the Council is not opposed to the direction they are headed with EBRPD and that such an agreement can be reached, the surrounding neighborhood will be noticed and canvassed about the proposal. City Council Minutes Page 15 of 17 July 21,2015