CCMIN111902 - Laserfiche WebLink

attendees to the event. It celebrated community connections and the Chamber wanted the residents to know the impact of business on the community in terms of quaiity of life. He described the speakers and then thanked the City staff, especially Gail Gilpin, who served on thc steering committee, for making this event such a success. Otis Nostrand echoed the sentiments regarding Ms. Michelotti and Ms. Dennis. He then urged the community to shop locally and support Pleasanton businesses. Patricia Belding, 7703 Highland Oaks Drive, thanked Ms. Dennis and Ms. Michelotti for their efforts on behalf of Citizens for a Caring Community, the committee that advocated 15 acres on the Bemal property for affordable housing. She has known Ms. Michelotti since their daughters were young, through gifts soccer, and during her Planning Commission service. It was a pleasure working with Ms. Dennis advocating affordable housing. Tim Kleffman, 5073 Lynbrook Court, also thanked Ms. Dennis and Ms. Michelotti for their years of service for the community. He especially thanked Ms. Dennis for her support on school facilities issues. He asked Council for its continued support of school facilities. He stated that K-5 enrollment is 6,074 divided among nine schools. That is in excess of the General Plan target of 600 students per neighborhood school. He noted there is no neighborhood school for the east side of Pleasanton. The high schools are at 2,000 students and there are no plans for future construction of new high school facilities. There are many portable classrooms on campuses and more to be added. The School Board indicated the classroom capacity is at 97%, but that is misleading because it includes the portables. Council has worked with the District to solve problems regarding facilities. Most recently it helped solve the infrastructure problem that would allow the construction of Neal Elementary to go forward. Unfortunately, a motion before the School Board to proceed immediately with construction of Neal School failed. He believed operating costs were not an issue for the school in the current budget and Signature Properties has signed an agreement to advance $8.5 million to build the school. He believed the money to open Neal is available in various facilities funds within the District, so money is not an issue, yet the District is talking about an opening date of 2005. He believed the City was party to a contract that indicated the school would open in 2002, however the District is delaying construction. He asked Council to do what it can to make sure the school facilities are built. He felt strictly supporting the School Board has failed to deliver the needed facilities. He urged Council to support the community to get these facilities. It will benefit not only the children, but also the developers who need school capacity to serve children from new developments. He asked the City to participate with the District in negotiations with Signature Properties relative to the $8.5 million commitment for the school. He believed the Agreement required approval of all three parties for any change to the $8.5 million commitment and the City should be involved in negotiations from the beginning. He urged Council to do what it can to make certain facilities are constructed. Ms. Ayala acknowledged the Council and School Board are two separately elected bodies. She asked the City Attorney to explain how the City is part of the referenced agreement and what action Council can take. Pleasanton City Council 5 11 / 19/02 Minutes