CCMIN120595 - Laserfiche WebLink

Dennis Powers, 3164 Joanne Circle, stated that five years ago a group of people started exploring the need for more park land. He was advised this land is the most expensive land in the community. He felt alternatives should be explored. He asked whether this issue could be looked at on a ballot for some type of bond issue in the community. He believed there were alternative pieces of land that should be considered. He felt that a survey should be made of the businesses to get their reaction and not just levy a tax. Bob Fournier, 142 Wyoming Street, stated he had just gone through a back breaking recession and gone from 17 employees to 9. He asked who shall he lay off tomorrow to pay for this tax. Mario Scoma, 57 "B" California Avenue, agreed with the Chamber of Commerce and felt the businesses should be contacted for their opinions. Bob Moss, 7942 Racoon Hollow Court, indicated that under no circumstances would he approve the businesses in this community pay for a sports facility. It is not warranted and is unnecessary. ff Council worked with the Sports Council, he felt there were ways to reduce the impact to the City. He urged Council to support Staff s recommendation and not to assess the business community of the City for a sports facility that will be primarily used by the youth. There was no further public testimony. There was a break at 9:30 p.m. The meeting was reconvened at 9:42 p.m. Mr. Pico commented that the business sector has to be competitive with its neighbors. He did not think the community would support any type of fee that would be levied solely on businesses for parks or any other facility. Hc felt that there is a process that is pan of the recommendation that calls for an on-going review at the Park and Recreation Commission level of the park impacts. Looking at what is being done with the monies the City currently has and will be collected, he felt that he had to support the staff recommendation. He questioned whether to continue the item without Ms. Mohr and also because AT&T indicated that it had not had advance notice of the obligation being levied on it. Ms. Michelotti supported the staff recommendation. She indicated she and her children have actively participated in the sports pwgrams of Pleasanton. The parks were built by the residential in-lieu park fees and also by the development community who donated large parcels of land. As land became scarce, the City received more fees to improve or provide the community with more and better parks. She believed the quality of life that is enjoyed by the City has come through the business community. She felt it should be determined how much is available in fees and then go and determine what can be done with that amount of money. She supports coliecting funds through the existing obligation (condition 26), but is not willing to support any additional tax. She supported the staff recommendation. She referred to the $14 12105195 -16-