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The meeting reconvened at 8:34 p.m. Item 6e Review of pro_oosed program for the downtown parks and trails system. (SR98:48) Jim Wolfe presented the staff report. Richard Larsen, Richard Larsen & Associates, gave an overview of the downtown parks and trails master plan. He described the citizens' Task Force recommendations for the eight different study areas. He said when the master plan is complete it will be a document that will include preliminary designs with their cost estimates and some background information describing how the designs were arrived at. He felt Downtown Pleasanton is an area with character and hoped, with Council's help, the master plan would build on that character and enhance Pleasanton. Mr. Wolfe reminded Council that a youth commissioner had not yet been involved, particularly with the Fire Station renovation proposals. He suggested that a youth commissioner be assigned to the Task Force. Vice Mayor Dennis asked for public testimony. Jack Hovingh, 4250 Muirwood Drive, appreciated the Task Force efforts. He would like to see public restrooms included in the downtown plan. He suggested putting the bandstand on the east side of Wayside Park, facing west, so the residents would not be bothered by the noise. He felt the downtown square should be a full block even if it meant removing buildings. He said this would give depth to Main Street and open up the frontage roadway. This would help circulation through the downtown area. If a downtown square is considered, why not put the bandstand there? He thought the Task Force had made a great start. Gary Schwaegerle, 189 West Angela Street, talked about the steam train coming to the downtown area. He said the merchants, citizens and the Task Force all want the steam train in the downtown area. He felt it would be a vital element to the economic growth in the downtown area. He said someone suggested using Vervais Yard for a commercial use to house horses for horse drawn carriages. He thought this was a good idea. He said questions were raised regarding the location of the Christmas tree and that it might be removed. A nice place for the Christmas tree would be at the Civic Square at the end of Bernal Avenue. Vice Mayor Dennis mentioned she received a phone call from Jocelyn Combs, East Bay Regional Park District representative. Jocelyn wanted to preserve the connection to the trails in Niles Canyon, the Ironhorse Trail and Bay Delta Trail, which would make Pleasanton a major destination for a number of regional trails. Pleasanton City Council 3/03/98 Minutes 11