Minutes_February 27, 2019 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commissioner Brown commented on the thoroughness of the plan and public outreach. He referred to the letter received from the Spotorno family, and asked that upon a final plan, that if a map is produced showing the current, proposed and future trails, that there's a way to ensure that any future map doesn't reflect or propose any future trails which are currently on privately-owned properties. Mr. Gruber said this has not been internally discussed, but he believed that wayfinding and mapping would show existing trails, and not future trails on private property, to prevent any confusion. Chair Allen commented that the plan identifies $48 million in funding needed with half of the amount would be spent on City-initiated projects. She inquired about the strategy to acquire funding. Mr. Gruber said the strategy would include grants such as the One Bay Area Grant (OBAG), which identifies Priority Conservation Areas (PCAs) in Pleasanton, including the Alamo Canal and Arroyo Del Valle trails. Staff would look to the City Council and Commissions to identify priorities and potentially utilize General Fund and Measure BB monies. Proposition 68 is also a potential funding mechanism; however, Prop 68 funding favors disadvantaged communities. Chair Allen and Commissioners complemented Mr. Gruber and the Committee on the comprehensiveness of the staff report and their work on the Trails Master Plan. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED. John Gilpin, Pleasanton, echoed thanks to Mr. Gruber and the Committee for their thorough work. He referred to Item J in the plan and said mountain bikers have a request for a single-track trail from the top of the ridge, by the fire road, coming down away from the hikers. This would provide a safe separation from hikers, and he said the mountain bikers are willing to provide volunteer labor to build it. Laverne Spotorno, Pleasanton, said their family has been working to ensure the wording in the document is very clear that privately-owned properties will not be infringed upon for trails that may be designated for future use. She requested that the following sentence be added in the explanations, descriptions and on the maps concerning private properties: "Until future trails are analyzed, approved and built, no public access is implied or allowed." She spoke about people intruding onto their private properties, which are not part of the current designated trails and liability risks. Ron Balthasar, Pleasanton, representing the mountain bike community, spoke of the need for safety for both hikers and bikers and echoed comments of Mr. Gilpin regarding the need for a separate trail given downhill speeds of bicyclists. Brian Walder, Pleasanton, said when they voted many years ago to accept the donation of Bernal lands it was supposed to be a park location for every user, and he thanked Mr. Gruber for including a bike trail. He urged the Commission to re-write or amend City policies that have restricted users and to allow the public to volunteer their help. He voiced support of the Bay Trail through Niles Canyon and hopes the City will collaborate with Rails to Trails. Planning Commission Minutes Page 3 of 18 February 27, 2019