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Ms. Ayala supported Mr. Rose using the property for dry farming, but had questions <br />about the cost of intensely preparing the soil. She pointed out that the Task Force <br />recommendations for the Specific Plan had included temporary uses of the vacant portions. She <br />supported accepting any business plan with an agricultural use that the City would not have to <br />pay for. She believed it would be several years before the Bemal property is fully utilized. She <br />hypothesized that there may be some group that would develop a plan for a community garden <br />that would not have to be maintained by the city. <br /> <br /> Ms. Michelotti asked if that was covered by the planned uses for this area? She felt <br />decisions would have to be on a case-by-case basis. She noted the problems with dust control in <br />dry farming uses. She had concerns about access to the property and possible safety issues. She <br />had no problem considering any agricultural uses in the short tenn. She wanted to see some <br />green in that area and to proceed with the meadow concept. She acknowledged that there is not <br />enough funding to make improvements at this time, but if uses are handled on a case-by-case <br />basis, it makes sense. <br /> <br /> Ms. McKeehan expressed concern that there could be public expectation that a particular <br />agricultural use would continue into the future. <br /> <br /> Ms. Dennis agreed that other communities have had that experience. Once a community <br />garden is established as a temporary use, the perception is that it should remain permanently. <br /> <br /> Ms. McKeehan agreed the case-by-case process was a good way to proceed. She felt a <br />continuing issue would be access. She also felt people should be aware that there is no water <br />available. She felt it would not be advisable to pick something off the list of proposed uses and <br />allow it to go forward. <br /> <br /> Ms. Dennis felt the staffreport set forth the options very well. The first farming to <br />consider is dry farming, however the issue with that is the dust problem. She hoped there would <br />be a way to mitigate that. <br /> <br /> Mr. Wolfe said that would be discussed with any proposed user of the property. He <br />indicated staff would consider any use that does not require water. <br /> <br /> Ms. Dennis acknowledged the need for soil preparation. She said only certain plants will <br />grow in unprepared soil and she did not want plants like thistles on this property. It would make <br />access to the property difficult and once those weeds are established it is very hard to get rid of <br />them. Meadows need to be maintained even though they look very natural. She inquired if <br />grazing by various types of livestock had been considered. That is compatible with wildflower <br />development and would help manage the thistles. She suggested working with the East Bay <br />Regional Park District to develop a mini-urban grazing program. Her neighbor grazes sheep and <br />the other neighbors have no problem with that. <br /> <br /> Ms. Ayala wanted to be certain Council did not take an action at this meeting that would <br />preclude an action from the Specific Plan. She had no project in mind and agreed with the <br /> <br />P leasanton City Council 12 06/18/02 <br />Minutes <br /> <br /> <br />