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