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Kris Kumaran, 6450 Calle Esperanza, commended the Council for rescinding its earlier decision and commissioning the study. The composition of the committee was critical. He supported staff's recommendation in the 80/20 split between citizens and development interests. He felt the leadership of the citizens who brought forth the referendum should be included. The leaders and the 5500 citizens like them have demonstrated that Pleasanton is a desirable place to live because citizens take an active role in shaping development in and around the area in which they live. He urged the Council to constitute the committee with impacted citizens and direct them with coming up with a plan that will reduce current circulation element impacts. He supported representation from the commissions as staff recommends. He felt it was crucial to have representation from the impacted neighborhoods. He suggested that the size of the committee be at least five members but not more than seven, simply to make it manageable. In conclusion, he expressed his disappointment in the exclusion of Staples Ranch from the study if not for any other reason but to see if Specific Plan guidelines still applied. Matt Sullivan, 4324 Muirwood Drive, read from the land use goals, policies and programs. "Citizen participation: to encourage the participation of residents, businesses, and neighboring jurisdictions in planning for community development. Encourage the participation of Pleasanton residents and businesses in land use planning and decision making. Involve citizen committees in the formulation of citizen plans and programs such as the Specific Plan for the Downtown residential area." He said this study is a very important and valuable part of the planning process. The citizens are eager to participate and bring a valuable perspective to the decision making process. He urged Council to allow citizen participation. He felt the business and property owners should be represented but do not forget the residents that have to live with 'the results. He had mixed emotions about having commission members on the committee. He said the commission members would have valuable input but they could dominate or inhibit the citizens from having the role they should have. He suggested making it a true citizens committee and have the commissions review and make recommendations at a later date. Steve Goins, 1552 Oxsen Street, supported staff's recommendation except to replace the Planning Commission position with a citizen at large position. He was interested in a plan that would benefit the community and not simply empowering citizens. He felt staff's analysis and recommendation of allotment of positions were good. Geoff Cooper, 7534 Flagstone Drive, said the Planning Commission recognized the composition of the committee was a political decision. He felt the process that was used to appoint the General Plan Steering Committee would work for this committee. He was opposed to having commissioners sit on the committee. All the commissioners will have an opportunity to comment on this study at a later date. He believed Staples Ranch should be excluded because it is 90% complete. Why single out the remaining 10% for review of land use. Issues about the Staples Ranch could be discussed at a different level. In conclusion he felt the City Council appointment concept was a good idea. Ms. Michelotti asked his opinion regarding commissioners serving as liaisons only. Pleasanton City Council 7 08/04/98 Minutes