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Item 6b Clarification as to the Ruby Hill Conditions of Approval (concerning the restoration of the Ruby Hill Winery) and proposed modification to a condition precedent to recording the Final Map for Tract 7158. (SR 01:011) This item was continued by Mayor Pico to February 6, 2001. Item 6c Approval of a Consultant Contract with Jones & Stokes for the Downtown Specific Plan Environmental Impact Report. (SR 00:302) Councilmember Michelotti and Mayor Pico abstained from this item and stepped down from the dais. Brian Swift presented the staff report. Ms. Ayala felt time was of the essence and wondered what the time frame was for this contract. Mr. Swift said it would take about three months to prepare the draft EIR. The draft Specific Plan would be completed in the same time frame. Ms. Ayala inquired about the roundabout. She was adamantly opposed to the idea and did not want a lot of money or time spent considering it in the EIR. Mr. Swirl said no additional money would be spent on that. All of the traffic work has already been done, so that information will be considered for the alternatives analysis and described all the options that would be considered. Ms. McKeehan indicated staff also has concems about the roundabout. Mr. Campbell asked why an EIR is necessary when a decision has not been made on a project. Mr. Swift said the information in the EIR presents foreseeable environmental effects of the project as it will be proposed to the Council and presents options to minimize the environmental impacts. It also allows the public to review the information and make suggestions. Ms. Ayala believed the EIR was very helpful in decision making because it gives the pros and cons of each alternative. There was further discussion on the necessity of an EIR and incurring the cost even if no project is approved. Pleasanton City Council 7 01/09/01 Minutes