01 - Laserfiche WebLink

Mayor Thorne indicated he understood that parking along Old Foothill Road was temporary and Assistant City Manager Dolan stated that the District wanted to ensure that benefits would be long- term. It was noted that if Council wanted to make parking temporary, instead of permanent, East Bay would ask that a comparable location be determined. The cost of that would need to be absorbed by the City. In reply to Councilmember Narum's question regarding the approved conditions on the Austin property, Assistant City Manager Dolan reported there was a condition that specifically allowed grazing and trails. He added that eight homes were approved as part of the Austin property. Councilmember Brown commented on the two different parking lots and asked if there would be appropriate signage identifying Alviso Adobe and Castleridge Trail. Assistant City Manager Dolan stated a signage plan would be needed for both areas. The City has the authority and responsibility to manage the area. He added that there is a possibility of expanded parking on the Austin property. Additionally, he stated there is a gate on Jerlin Place. noted that signage will identify driveways and trails, and addressed communicating closures on Foothill during special events. Mayor Thorne opened for public comment. Ayn Wieskamp, Board Member, East Bay Regional Park District, commented on the importance of parks and expanding them but noted the lack of access. She stated this is one of the best opportunities on the ridge for walkers and families with young children to use a trail. She added that it is about giving real people of all ages and abilities the chance to enjoy nature. She thanked the City for requesting the prioritization of Garms, stated they want to be good neighbors and commented positively on the Alviso Adobe Community Park. Bob Nisbet. Assistant General Manager, East Bay Regional Park District. voiced support for staffs recommendation and commented positively on the process. He highlighted Sections 6 in terms of closures for special events and 7 in terms of the ability to construct more parking in the future, on the Austin property, as needed. He addressed Garms improvements and the agencies commitment to improve the number of access points. He stated that the matter will be presented to the EBRPD Board on July 5th. Deborah Wahl, Chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission, reaffirmed the Commission's recommendations that Council not approve the MOU. After much discussion, the Commission felt that approving it would not be the right decision, adding that the Commission wants this to be a win/win for all. She added that the Commission does not like parking on Old Foothill as a permanent solution; parking on Austin makes more sense; that the proposed location of the restrooms would negatively impact neighbors, and stated their wish that the Garms property would have been opened. She asked Council not to approve the MOU and to go back to the drawing board to find a more-suitable solution. Dolores Bengtson, 568 Hamilton Way, Pleasanton. Alviso Adobe Docent and advocate, spoke in opposition to the MOU and referenced a memo she sent to Council listing reasons for her opposition. She offered a possible solution and alternative location for a regional trails staging area. Additionally, she spoke on behalf of Kurt Kummer former Parks and Recreation Commissioner, noting that he gave her permission to affirm his opposition to the MOU. She urged Council to take a step back and continue working with the EBRPD to develop a discreet, permanent regional park staging area, free of potential conflicts and with unlimited parking potential. such as the south side of the Austin property. City Council Minutes Page 6 of 9 June 21, 2016