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Sharen Heinz, 761 Wall Street, Livermore, reminded Council that the City came to the <br />Vineyard Avenue residents and asked them to annex to the City. She believed promises were <br />made that they would be allowed to develop. They have worked for six years and spent a lot <br />of money on this process. She felt they have lost rights instead of gaining rights. They were <br />not allowed to be on the General Plan Steering Committee. She was opposed to the 4/5ths vote <br />requirement and felt it was unconstitutional. <br /> <br /> Mr. Tarver asked for clarification on the formation of the Committee. <br /> <br /> Wayne Rasmussen indicated the Steering Committee was appointed by the Council and <br />consisted of residents of Pleasanton. The Vineyard Corridor had not been annexed at the time <br />of formation of the Steering Committee. There were no restrictions on membership on the <br />subcommittees. <br /> <br /> Christine Bourg, 4512 Second Street, indicated she had served on the General Plan <br />Steering Committee and was sorry to hear that some people disagree with the recommendations <br />and are critical of it. There was a strong commitment to seek out and support the general <br />interests of the community and to encourage consensus. There were three methods of <br />encouraging participation: town meetings, subcommittees, and a general assembly of citizens. <br />Later a survey was added. All this presented a clear view of the desires of the average citizen <br />of Pleasanton. In all cases, the Steering Committee listened to the views of citizens and <br />subcommittees to produce a General Plan to balance the interests of all the residents. A small <br />minority of citizens with special interests or different political views have combined to give an <br />illusion of a lack of community support or dissatisfaction for the conclusions of the Steering <br />Committee. She did not believe there was such a feeling. She believed the Steering <br />Committee's recommendations are a reflection of the communities desires as expressed in the <br />methods of contact. This is a compromise position. Ms. Bourg felt it was important for <br />Council to vote on the General Plan and then send it to the general public for ratification. She <br />thinks the special interests are trying to influence Council not to put the Plan to a vote because <br />the general public will not support their position. <br /> <br /> George Gunter, 1805 Greenwood Road, also served on the General Plan Steering <br />Committee. He felt it was time for him to speak up. He has listened to other Committee <br />members complain of unfairness. That is because they did not get what they wanted. There <br />were fifteen people on the Committee and there were some people who continually tried to delay <br />the process. He felt this was because they were not getting what they wanted and hoped to <br />continue to lobby for the Council' s vote. He felt some were against allowing the citizens to vote <br />on issues because they know the citizens will not support them. There has been a lot of growth <br />in the past and some have made a lot of money. The residents have changed and no longer want <br />that growth and feel the need to protect the city as it is. He referred to the comments of Rick <br />Bentley, felt his comments were correct about some having fixed ideas, and believed that Mr. <br />Bentley was one of those people. Mr. Gunter also said Mr. Bentley did not attend all meetings <br />and left before the end of the meeting at others. Mr. Gunter also expressed his disappointment <br /> <br />06/13/96 <br /> -9- <br /> <br /> <br />