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assigned. The city or county indicates what it wants to do and the agency shows it how to integrate environmental mitigations for endangered species. Ms. Dennis asked, if the Tri-Valley area indicated where it wanted to develop, would the agency define an area fbr habitat conservation? Mr. Sanchez said that is a long process and the city or county has to define the arcs and species to be protected. Ms. Dennis asked if the agency could assist by identifying land that would be good for a habitat and if it would assign resources to a regional process. Mayor Tarver expressed frustration with the dialogue with the permitting agencies. The agency tells the city to define the area and it will say if it approves or not. He wanted the agencies to be more specific and clearly indicate what the area is and what mitigations are acceptable. Instead it seems a plan is presented, the agency says it is not right, go try again and that em~ be repeated for a long time. He asked for a clear definition of what is acceptable. Mr. Sanchez characterized the process to say "bring me a rock and I'll tell you if it is the right rock." He said the agencies try to give specific answers about impacts and mitigations. The HCP is the city's product and the agency does not want to toll it what to put in ks General Plan but will tell it what mitigations are necessary for the impacts. Karen Foss, 1773 Magnolia Cimle, Chair of the Golf Course Committee, said what Mr. Sanchez has described sounds like an easy process. She indicated the environmental agencies do not seem to be friendly to golf courses. The City continues to bring in the ~mcks" and has just about emptied the quarry. Impediments seem to grow. The Committee viewed this area for a golf course, but the big picture is getting blurred. It is nmre than the golfcomcse and there is a lot to lose. The project reflects the values of the community. This is a city of planned progress and it has committed to excellence, a high quality of living and has expressed concem for the neighbors as well. The City is moving to build out in a systematic way and is consistently dealing with issues of slow growth, no growth and honoring the General Plan that was voted on by the citizens. This project is trying to preserve the rural integrity of the soulhem part of community and to f~ather development to the urban line. Them is a preservation of open space, and creation of a habitat for endangered species. The environment currently does not allow animals to exist but they will come. The plan preserves water quality for the area; preserves 356 acres of open space, has minimal devclopmeut and provides new trails. The City has spent close to $1 million on environmental issues. She supported that expenditure if they have been success~.hl in hiring the professionals that the environmental agencies trust and rely upon. However, she is frustrated that when information is turned in by reputable professionals, it is no longer good enough. This is not just a golf come and if it is not built, there will be no habitat, trails, open space and improvements to chinreels and creek beds. Them is no protection against dense development on the site. That may not happen in the next few years, but could happen in Pleasanton City Council 10 05/16/00 Minutes