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~•~t t.r. rr ~~~ INTRODUCTION ('Lfa~.~hT~~N. City Manager's Budget Message cultural and historical heritage of the region. A partnership between the City and the Amador-Livermore Historical Society, operator of the Museum on Main Street, will be developed to enhance the interpretive experience at the park and to assist with management and coordination of the facility. The former firehouse located at 4444 Railroad Avenue in downtown will be converted into a 250-seat performance arts theater and art gallery beginning in calendar year 2008. This 20,000 square foot facility will be home to youth and family theater productions, chamber music, jazz concerts, lecture series, literary events, and other cultural and community offerings. Plans are underway to integrate the Firehouse Arts Center with an expanded and improved Lions Wayside Park, including a renovated bandstand, public art displays and other landscape features, all designed to expand and broaden the whole Downtown District. City funds for the construction of the facility will be augmented by private contributions solicited and provided in partnership with the Pleasanton Cultural Arts Foundation, a private not-for-profit affiliate of the Pleasanton Cultural Arts Council. Pursue Environmental Awareness. Health, Land Use & Preservation Issues A priority for the City is to pursue and address environmental issues which affect the health and sustainability of the community. Environmental issues encompass green building practices, furthering recycling and reuse habits, thoughtful, preserved and protected land development, climate protection, and education and awareness about these important issues. The City receives annual grants to further recycling efforts and educational opportunities, and to research and pursue new programs. The annual budget includes allocations for green waste recycling, funding for educational programs at schools, the development of a commercial recycling program, electronic waste collection events, and events and opportunities to increase public awareness. Some additional examples of the City's efforts in this area are: • This budget includes funds to participate in the Alameda County Climate Protection Project. The City will work with project coordinators to conduct an inventory to develop a baseline emission inventory and forecast, as well as companion recommendations to develop options for reducing emissions. The inventory will be conducted during the summer months with final recommendations submitted to the City in early 2008. • The Cities of Pleasanton and Livermore have partnered with Spectrum Energy, Inc. to develop a communitywide Solar Cities Project. The areas being reviewed include residential, commercial and City-owned facilities. Both cities are currently compiling data and identifying stakeholders to assist in developing the program; Spectrum will coordinate the planning process and obtain community input. A draft program will be presented for the City Council's consideration in late 2007. • The City Council has established a subcommittee to work cooperatively with Pleasanton Garbage Service to improve and enhance existing recycling services. Staff anticipates new programs will be presented to the City Council in early 2008 in connection with the City's rate review process. xxii