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., ('LfaS.~NT~~N. INTRODUCTION City Manager's Budget Message SHARED VISION: THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIP Before shifting focus to the budget's revenue and expenditure highlights, it is important to note that the Pleasanton City Council adopted its annual work plan for fiscal years 2007-08/2008-09. The work plan, which is delineated by broad categories and individual projects, was developed in close cooperation with the Mayor and City Council, and the City Manager. Collectively, these categories are intended to inform the community of the Council's shared vision and to provide the City Manager with the policy direction needed to allocate City resources, including preparation of the annual budget. Below are highlights of how the operating budget addresses each goal of the work plan, with particular emphasis placed on our continued tradition of community-based partnerships. Develop Bernal Community Park In November 2006, Pleasanton voters approved the proposed land use for the 318-acre Bernal Community Park. In January of this year, the City Council formed the Bernal Financing Committee to define funding sources for the amenities identified in the plan. The committee will forward a comprehensive financing plan to the Council for its consideration in mid 2007. Included in the operating budget is the continuation of limited term staffing to support this effort. Plans are also underway for the 13-acre first phase of the Bernal Community Park. This phase will include infrastructure improvements including three baseball diamonds (two lighted), a children's play area, public restrooms, league storage buildings and other amenities normally found in City parks. Construction may begin this summer with an anticipated completion time of approximately 15 months. Included in the operating budget are funds needed to support contractual park maintenance and operations upkeep. Complete a Comprehensive General Plan Update The General Plan Update was initiated by the City Council in April 2003; the first phase solicited input from the community through a series of neighborhood workshops and joint City Council and Planning Commission meetings. As of June 2007, the City Council has reviewed and approved eight of the 12 elements of the General Plan; the remaining four elements are being drafted. Staff has worked closely with community and regional agencies such as the Pleasanton Unified School District and the Zone 7 Water Agency to ensure that community interests and concerns are incorporated. A draft General Plan will be considered by the City Council in early 2008. Included in the operating budget is the continuation of limited term staffing to support this effort, as well as funds to support outside consulting work for environmental impact review, additional traffic modeling, and development of the final document. Maintain Fiscal Sustainability A paramount goal of the City Council is maintaining fiscal sustainability. This 2007-08/2008-09 budget ensures that the level of services are sustainable within current revenues and that additional contributions are being made toward reserves. Future decisions will be guided by the long-range forecast that projects revenues and expenditures ten years into the future. This budget also continues to maintain reserve levels at appropriate levels consistent with policies included in the General Plan. While the City is xviii