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Mr. Cordtz expressed his support of bringing the train to downtown. He believed that of the 100 meetings that were held on this item, that only four or five members of the public made comments. He complained about the Vervais property and asked when the City would clean it up. Mr. Roush first addressed the conflict of interest questions. He said state law states that ifa piece of property is owned by a Councilmember within 500 feet of a matter that is before that body, they are required to disqualify themselves. The Specific Plan covers the area where Mr. Pico owns property and is within 500 feet of Ms. Michelotti's property, which is why they must abstain from this matter. If Council adopts a general plan amendment or specific plan, it is a legislative act and is subject to referendum. If people disagree with the decision, they may gather the required number of signatures within the necessary time period to get the matter placed on a ballot. Charlotte Severin, 4513 Mirador Drive, speaking for the Pleasanton Art League, Cultural Arts Council and herself, felt the Specific Plan and Parks and Trails Master Plan need to be considered together and soon. She is co-chair of the committee to raise funds for a gallery and theater at the Railroad Avenue fire station. Pleasanton has wonderful sports facilities, but it needs arts facilities as a balance. She said these facilities need to be designated or they cannot raise funds for them. She also wanted a site designated on the Bernal property as soon as possible. Valerie Hurst, 3593 Arbor Court, said she served on the Parks and Trails Committee and the Downtown Specific Plan Committee. She referred to the 1996 advisory vote on the train. She said the Specific Plan Committee dealt with the train issue in the first four months because the decision on that would affect the entire downtown. She said the PLA has changed what they want to do with the train since the matter was voted on in 1996. Originally it was to be every Saturday and Sunday (6 crossings of Bemal Avenue which will have a new sports park, school and homes). It was to be at no cost to the City. She did not understand how the PLA could maintain the necessary crossing equipment. It was a nice idea, but does not pencil out well. She believed downtown should have businesses the residents want and support. These are the core people that will maintain a business. If businesses that come to downtown are geared more toward a ride, there will be more tourist type businesses, fast food, and those that sell cheaper items. Downtown is currently filled with nicer eating establishments and upscale girl shops. She did not think people coming in on the train with children will buy things there. She did not want the south Main Street entrance realigned as long as the train concept is alive. Traffic has to be able to get out of downtown and if a train is sitting across Bemal that would cause problems. She believed the proposed Downtown Specific Plan is pedestrian friendly. She felt the best way to maintain that is to improve the trails and get people out of their cars. The Parks and Trails Master Plan uses the Transportation Corridor for trails and some parking as well as the expansion of Wayside Park to handle the increased use of that park. She encouraged Council to approve the Downtown Specific Plan as presented. She acknowledged it is conceptual and the specifics will be decided as projects come forward. She said the train issue has been studied ad nauseum and it is time to put it to rest. She felt if the train option was allowed, there would have to be a new specific plan, because there would be a different downtown. Pleasanton City Council 11 02/05/02 Minutes