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Ms. Ng asked for a show of hands from those wishing to maintain the existing grassy area open, and <br /> the majority of the audience raised their hands. <br /> Mayor Thorne disclosed meeting with community members and the tennis community as well. <br /> John DeFreitas, Pleasanton, stated he is not opposed to the addition of two new tennis courts, but <br /> rather is opposed to the proposed location. He asserted a flaw in the public notification of the item and <br /> community outreach procedures as residents of the area had no idea of the plan and that construction <br /> was scheduled to commence. He added that the first notification was the installation of construction <br /> fencing and the second notification was the courtesy notice, received 72 hours prior to the beginning <br /> construction. He referenced the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and noted the need for extensive <br /> community input from a fair representation of residents and community organizations. He opined that <br /> construction should not proceed, in its current state and asked that Council vote in favor of suspending <br /> construction until all appropriate residents have been notified and provided with the opportunity to be <br /> involved in the development of the plan. <br /> Lei Xia spoke in opposition to the proposed location for two new tennis courts. She provided a brief <br /> history of the matter and addressed supply and demand of tennis courts in the City as well as their <br /> availability and contributing factors related to the shortage of tennis courts. She questioned whether <br /> the proposed project will improve residents' quality of life. <br /> Gordon Stewart commented on current activities that take place on the existing open space area were <br /> the new tennis courts are being proposed. He commented on the different alternative locations and <br /> stated that any of them are better than the proposed location. Mr. Stewart asked for a show of hands <br /> as to those who would prefer building the tennis courts in any one of the alternative locations, and a <br /> majority of attendees raised their hands. In response to Councilmember Brown's inquiry, he explained <br /> his concerns with Option 1. <br /> Kimber McCarn addressed public notification of the item and asked for a show of hands as to those <br /> who would like a change in the notification process and a majority of the attendees raised their hands. <br /> She urged the preservation of the existing park open space area. <br /> Huiling Song urged Council to suspend construction at the proposed location and consider alternative <br /> locations for the new tennis courts. <br /> Karen Wan stated she speaks for the children in her neighborhood and reported that many people use <br /> the existing park open area for different activities. She opposed the proposed location of the new <br /> tennis courts and urged Council to preserve the green field. <br /> Leonard Cooper said he is a tennis player and reported attending many meetings regarding this matter. <br /> He noted these courts have been in the planning process for many years, that public meetings were <br /> held, that all were invited and that Council approved the project. Mr. Cooper alleged that protestors <br /> who stopped the start of construction, stopped the Democratic process and that blocking the <br /> construction site was illegal and should not have been allowed. He added that if there is to be a <br /> compromise, the tennis community prefers Alternative 1. Additionally, he asked that the project be <br /> completed as soon as possible. <br /> Laura McDowell Boyer addressed a Heritage tree that she requested to be removed, but was denied a <br /> permit to do so. She observed that when a Heritage Tree is on public property there is no problem <br /> removing it and questioned the demand for additional tennis courts. <br /> City Council Minutes Page 2 of 5 August 9,2016 <br />