CC MIN 04122022 - Laserfiche WebLink

Councilmember Arkin supported the bandstand configuration, Firehouse Arts Center incorporation, creek enhancements, larger audience area, Farmer's Market area, paved walkway across Neal Street, keeping the existing trees, and the design in general. She agreed with preserving the boulders and regional connectivity mentioned by the public speakers. She expressed her support for the motion. Councilmember Narum advised she particularly likes the gateway at the corner of First Street and Neal Street for how it will draw people downtown. She commended how the new area along First Street is incorporated with both the additional park and parking space. She supported the orientation of the bandstand for keeping noise pointed away from neighborhoods and audiences not having to look into the evening sun. She commended the additional seating space and the concept of being able to close Railroad Avenue to accommodate an even larger crowd. She called to keep the trails regionally connected as this design would. She expressed her support for the motion. Mayor Brown reported this has been a priority for many years and is excited about the plan. She commended the Railroad Avenue closure option and additional parking. She reported the Pleasanton Lions Club has offered to work on funding since they are the park's namesake. She called for a historic- looking bandstand and noted staff will have to find the funding for the park improvements. MOTION: It was m/s by Testa/Balch to approve staff's recommendation. Motion passed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Arkin, Balch, Narum, Testa, Mayor Brown Noes: None Absent: None Mayor Brown recessed the meeting at 7:52 p.m. and reconvened at 7:59 p.m. 3. Review cricket field recommendations and provide direction to staff on cricket field options Assistant Director Crose reported the 2014 Parks and Recreation Master Plan identified cricket as a sport the City should program. She advised many sites have since been identified as potential sites for a cricket field with no success. She reported staff has determined a near-term solution is a 180-foot radius field with 5-10 parking spaces while a long-term solution includes a 240-foot radius field with parking for 50 cars, lights, bleachers, a scoreboard, team areas, and the ability to be used year-round. Assistant Director Crose reported staff has evaluated the Ken Mercer Sports Park, Amador Community Park, Muirwood Community Park, Staples Ranch, and Bernal Community Park as possible sites able to support the 180-foot radius in the near term. She noted Ken Mercer Sports Park and Amador Community Park have many scheduling conflicts while Muirwood Community Park has fewer conflicts and was identified as the best near-term solution. She advised Staples Ranch is undeveloped with convenient access to Interstate 580, making it a possible long-term solution. Assistant Director Crose reported the Parks and Recreation Commission felt cricket can be played simultaneously with other sports in Pleasanton like it is in the cities of Dublin and San Ramon. She advised the Commission felt a venue at Staples Ranch could be of world-class caliber and a cricket pitch if correctly oriented should be safe at Muirwood, The Commission expressed concerns about negative community feedback from Muirwood-area residents and asked staff to look into signage and other safety features. Assistant Director Crose reported staff received over 80 emails and prevailing themes were safety concerns, concerns about the size of Muirwood, concerns that members of the Commission have conflicts in recommending Muirwood, that Muirwood should be utilized by the neighborhood's residents, and suggestions for alternate locations. City Council Minutes Page 6 of 18 April 12, 2022