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Vanessa Kawaihau, 871 Sycamore Road, asked Council to address the Patriot Act and suggested a joint meeting with the Library Commission in June. She then addressed Council's proposals for a new neighborhood park on the south side of Pleasanton. She wanted the City to use all efforts to procure property within the city limits before it considers land in the unincorporated area of Happy Valley. She said four property owner were upset that they were approached to sell their property for use as a park. Even though staff has assured the neighboring property owners they would not be forced to annex, she did not think the Local Agency Formation Commission would allow development of a park in unincorporated land, creating an island, and would force annexation of neighboring properties. People should not have to worry about being forced to annex. She urged the City to build the city park within the city limits. Ms. McKeehan indicated there has been a plan to create a park in south Pleasanton at the request of some of the residents. Staff has been exploring options to see what properties were available. Mr. Swift said before city staff approached any property owners in the Happy Valley area, they contacted the Alisal Improvement Club representatives and discussed the matter with them and with Mr. Close before sending any letters. Three property owners were approached. Two have existing residences, one owner-occupied and one a rental. The other property is undeveloped. Response has been received from one property owner who is interested in discussing the matter further. Conversations have been had with other residents of the area regarding options. Staff has never indicated it would take a persons home and in fact the letter stated the opposite. If the city cannot find a satisfactory site, it would not build a park in that vicinity. Kurt Kummer, 4456 Clovewood Lane, indicated he comes to most Council meetings because he wants to be informed of what is happening in the City. He does not speak at many of them and only addresses pertinent items when he does speak. He tries to be concise and not waste time because there are too many things for Council to deal with. He has addressed local issues like West Las Positas Interchange or the Bernal Property. He does not talk about gun control, the death penalty or national health care. This is not the forum for those discussions. There should not be hour-long debates about those issues at City Council meetings. The Patriot Act was passed by Congress, ratified by the Senate and signed by the President. These are people and institutions that citizens can contact. Some have offices here in the Valley. People should discuss the Patriot Act with them; that is why they were elected. He did not want to start a bad precedent and urged Council to deal with the business of Pleasanton. There were no further speakers. Pleasanton City Council 8 05/06/03 Minutes