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SPECIAL MEETING: Mayor Thorne called the special meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Present: Councilmembers Brown, Narum, Olson, Pentin, Mayor Thorne Absent: None MEETING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC 1. Public Comment Mira Rajagopalan spoke in support of increased bicycle safety including better and bigger bike lanes. Susie Hufstader thanked those attending to commented on this issue, the City and Council for its work and collaboration. She spoke in support of the abilities network and of having protected bike lanes in arterial streets and major intersections so that people feel safe and comfortable riding bicycles, no matter how old they are. Additionally, she suggested increased outreach for the next workshop, in various languages. Joe Streng, Chair of Bike and Pedestrian Trails Committee, commended staff for the report and spoke positively on the work of the Committee and staff. He noted the cycling community is engaged in the process, encouraged Council to make streets safer for pedestrians and spoke in support of the plan. Susan Jorgensen spoke positively on prioritizing Stanley and Valley, commented on monies put into the Affordable Housing Fund noting that implementing the plan would be making good use of that money. She hoped that Council will prioritize public safety over Parks and Recreation programs. Sharon Piecarski commented positively on the Master Plan but expressed concerns regarding the West Las Positas Porter plan noting there is no connection of the bike lane on the east side of Santa Rita to the west side of Santa Rita. She added that delaying improvements is a huge safety hazard and urged Council to make improvements at West Las Positas and Santa Rita, a priority. Ryan Schmidt said he looks forward to the proposed improvements and commented positively regarding facilities and the buffered bike lanes, corridors and spot improvements. Ruby Harkness spoke regarding the importance of bike and pedestrian safety and spoke positively regarding the Master Plan. Mya Lee spoke in support of the Master Plan and increasing pedestrian and bicycle safety. Mike Moran spoke in support of the Master Plan but noted it does not address the StanleyNalley/Bernal intersection. He expressed frustration with the retaining wall, reducing the speed limit and slip lanes. Evelyn McLaughlin spoke about the benefits of cycling and the need to increase bicycling and pedestrian safety in the City. City Council Workshop and Page 2 of 5 September 13,2016 Special Meeting Minutes