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Brad Hirst spoke in support of staff and the Commission's recommendation for reasons already discussed. He's interested in the Sharks facility, said he felt it would offer alternative recreational programs, felt it was interesting that opponents talk about use of the park for local residents and not regional residents yet local residents would need Stoneridge Drive to get there. Regarding economics, his daughter is on the Board of the Junior Hockey League at Tahoe and said that one rink nets 500-600 hotel nights per tournament, untold thousands spent on food and drink, the number of kids and amount of money spent was enormous and it is a tremendous economic benefit. His two grandsons play competitive hockey and urged the Council to approve the recommendation. Rich Wilcox said his two children have played soccer in Pleasanton and one son had played for 9 years. He felt the facility would be first-class, would be safe, year-round, his son practices in Dublin and he does not get done until 11:00 p.m. because of scheduling constraints with the one rink of ice. He felt the proposal would provide a significant benefit to youth would not require much maintenance and supported it. Dolores Bengtson said she had a role in the planning and construction of Nielsen and Amoral Parks and defining the 17-acre park years ago. She said it was good to see the Staples Ranch Community Park moving forward, hoped the City could get the community behind the development, respected the public process, and felt 4 sheets of ice was not a lot in comparison to the many soccer, baseball and softball fields in town which were always full. Regarding the facility being regional versus community, she felt the community would be well-served and available to others and urged the Council to enthusiastically approve the conceptual site use plan and reorientation of the park boundary, as recommended. David Bouchard representing the Chamber of Commerce, urged the Council to support the conceptual plan as recommended by staff and the Commission, said the business community sees the value in the ice skating facility in terms of its regional draw, its economic impact on the area and urged the City to continue in its discussions on its use. Howard Neely as a former Park and Recreation Commissioner, he said there were 7,000 dogs in town, he asked for developments of dog parks, said there was only one proposal for a dog park at Bernal and felt the park would be a great opportunity. Stuart Cook representing the Alameda County Surplus Property Authority, thanked staff and the Commission for their hard work on the process, supported the realignment of the park, felt it provides for flexibility on whatever the City decides and provides better relationships with the other land uses, particularly retail. He reminded everyone that to the south of the park is 13 acres of passive open space in the creek corridor, it has a couple of trails, one of which would connect to Livermore and offer some recreational aspects. The Mayor closed public comment. Councilmember Thorne discussed his involvement with the Hockey League, felt the hockey facilities were beautiful, was overwhelmed with response from the community, and supported the realignment plan, and the staff and Commission's recommendation. He felt the trail which connects to Livermore would also be an important part of the project. Councilmember McGovern thanked Mr. Cook and said the Council has been working in good faith with the Surplus Land Authority and was continuing in those efforts. Regarding the dog park, she confirmed areas for small and large dogs could be accommodated. She City Council Minutes 11 July 17, 2007