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Laurie Riddle stated that she was Ms. Jones other co-conservator and stated that Ms. Jones would not <br /> want the property sold. If there was no feasible way to maintain it, she may not have left it to the City if <br /> she knew this was the way it was going to go. <br /> Jim DeMersmer, Director of Museum on Main, stated that history is about people's stories, and not just <br /> the rich and famous. The Jones and West families were entrepreneurial families that made Pleasanton <br /> the place it is today. It is a story of immigration and devotion to family. The museum will feature a Jean <br /> Jones memorial gallery and the proceeds will also go towards their education programs. <br /> Councilmember Olson confirmed that all of Ms. Jones' historic items should be kept and moved out of <br /> the home before February 20'^. <br /> Christine Bourg, Vice President of the Pleasanton Heritage Association, commented on the love given <br /> by all of Ms. Jones' friends and they made her final years much happier. Pleasanton Heritage <br /> Association and the Amador Livermore Historical Society were mentioned to be consultants in the <br /> disposition of her home as Ms. Jones was an only child with no relatives. She elaborated on the <br /> memorial plaque to be placed outside the house and was happy to participate. The designated money <br /> from the sale of the home would be used for the Pleasanton Heritage Association's goals and <br /> educational efforts. <br /> Theresa Carey stated that the preferred use of the house was as a museum, and if there was no <br /> feasible way then it could be sold. Ms. Jones thought she was signing paperwork to turn it into a <br /> museum and her network of people tried to make it happen for her. The District Attorney who <br /> prosecuted the individual who embezzled Ms. Jones thought that a museum was the intended purpose <br /> as well. The people of Pleasanton do not know about this gift, and it is great to know that $500,000 was <br /> available to work on the property. <br /> Greg Dubatowka explained that he was Ms. Jones tree trimmer and now owns that company. Ms. <br /> Jones had her trees done every year for 30 years and she wanted to leave him her house as she felt he <br /> would preserve her trees and her house as it was. He expressed concerns about the person who <br /> embezzled her. <br /> Keith Bailey read a statement from Connie Campbell, District Attorney, who specifically asked to <br /> continue this matter to pursue a museum concept. <br /> Councilmember Pentin stated that he understood Ms. Jones wishes for her home, however, the Council <br /> also understands the large barriers entailed in changing the home to make it a museum, including <br /> Americans with Disabilities Act required modifications. The endeavor would be above and beyond what <br /> is financially feasible. He supports the work that the Executor and community organizations have done <br /> and feels the proposal recommended by staff is the best solution. <br /> A motion was made by Councilmember Pentin to accept staffs recommendation. Vice Mayor Narum <br /> seconded the motion with a friendly amendment to include that the property be included in the updated <br /> Downtown Specific Plan and that information shall be disclosed as part of the sale. Councilmember <br /> Pentin accepted the friendly amendment. <br /> Vice Mayor Narum commented that this was a wonderful gift and there were tremendous hurdles that <br /> would have to be overcome to keep it as museum. The house is intact and should be at least restored <br /> with the appropriate paint. The agreement is specific and it will be a Pleasanton landmark. <br /> Councilmember Olson stated that Pleasanton will be able to retain a lot of the history preserved by Ms. <br /> Jones by dedicating space to it in the existing museum. <br /> City Council Minutes Page 10 of 12 February 2, 2016 <br />