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Ms. Ayala indicated there is a set amount for the EIR and that covers all studies. Even if a study is eliminated, the cost does not go down. Ms. McKeehan agreed. Ms. Dunder wanted to know how much all this would cost. Mayor Pico indicated staff would take her comments under advisement. Jim Jordan, 7882 Marigold Court, spoke in opposition to an environmental committee. He felt public funds would be better spent on completing projects such as the municipal golf course, assisted living facilities, subsidized housing for seniors, and the Bernal plan, including a transit village with the promised ACE train station. He felt the environmental positions of Jennifer Hosterman, the Fish and Wildlife Services and the Center for Biodiversity are extreme. The world will not end if there is no red-legged frog habitat. He felt the City should spend staff time and money on priorities that are real rather than adding burdensome layers of government for issues that he felt were questionable. The red-legged frog has cost the city $3 million in feasibility fees and hours of staff time for the Happy Valley golf course. If the project ever moves forward it will be twice as expensive as originally proposed. Mr. Jordan felt the city did not need more committees, task forces or commissions. In fact, he urged Council to dissolve some of the committees and begin making some of the tough decisions it was elected to make. He felt past Councils had used committees to avoid making difficult decisions, to take blame for unpopular decisions, and to promote political supporters. For instance, he could not believe it has taken four years to decide if an interchange is needed at West Las Positas. He urged Council to stop the costly consulting project, dissolve the committee, and make the decision. There is enough information available now to make the decision. It will save money and lighten the workload of the city's over-worked staff. Mr. Jordan believed the Bernal property committee should conclude its work in the next ninety days, be dissolved and have staff directed to formulate the plan using local architects and planners pro bono. He felt the current committee was simply a collection of interest groups jockeying for position for their pet projects. He said the developer already has grading stakes in the ground and signs announcing occupancy dates. The delays in making decisions have made many problems worse. There are traffic circulation problems, rolling blackouts and high electricity costs. Neighboring cities have transit plans, high-density affordable housing, cultural arts facilities, conference centers and high-profile business prospects. He felt there would be concerns about the affordability of Happy Valley green fees because of flog habitat tradeoffs. There are concerns about added senior and childcare needs. He felt making everything a neighborhood issue avoids making decision for all of Pleasanton. Pleasanton City Council 7 03/20/01 Minutes