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necessary. He doubted the new trees will have any impact in five years. He did not believe the EIR adequately addressed the wildlife in the area. He noted numerous sightings of the fox. The quarry and buffer strip tie into the open areas on E1 Charro. He noted sightings of deer drinking in the lake. He believed Ponderosa Homes needs dirt for its project and he agreed with the prior speaker to remove the berm near Persimmon and give it to Ponderosa. He wanted to expand the buffer zone so it goes around the lake, continuing to tie into the E1 Charro side to give the animals a larger area to roam and keep it as natural as possible. He invited Council to view the area. Kate Selway, 2313 Martin Avenue, indicated the buffer zone was created forty years ago to reduce noise and dust pollution. The trees help that considerably. Only one lake has been filled and there are still six other quarries. She has made inquiries to the County about its plans and she expected a call later in the week. Regarding tree removal, the staff report said since the heritage trees are not in a public right of way, they are not subject to the City tree removal laws. One of the options of Zone 7 is to turn the area over to the City and she believed if that were to happen, then the trees would be subject to City laws, unless Zone 7 removed the trees and then turned the property over the City. Regarding the wildlife, she noted the numerous sightings of the kit fox a few years ago, when a County representative was called to the area. He informed the residents it was endangered and could not be captured since this was its natural habitat. She noted pictures are available. Finally, she referred to the aesthetics of the area. Zone 7 believes the view of the lake is more important than the residents believe. The banks of the slopes have deep furrows and no vegetation and this is not a pleasing view. She noted Bushart Gardens in Vancouver, British Columbia, which was planted in an abandoned quarry. There were no further speakers. Mayor Pico said this property is owned by Zone 7 and is in Alameda County, not within City limits. The City can discuss and encourage action to Zone 7. It has been responsive to issues raised by the residents and City staff. The staff recommendation is to authorize sending a letter urging Zone 7 to slow its process and to look at other alternatives along with the City. Mr. Campbell indicated the Zone 7 Liaison Committee met last week and Zone 7 appeared willing to work with the residents and the City to find a win/win solution. He supported the letter and agreed the buffer area should be preserved. Ms. Hosterman agreed with those comments. She appreciated the opportunity to meet with the Zone 7 Boardmembers at the Liaison Committee meeting. Zone 7 also has concerns and seems willing to work on these issues. It was moved by Ms. Hosterman, seconded by Mr. Brozosky, to send a letter to Zone 7, which requests it to (1) postpone action on the draft Negative Declaration, (2) continue to explore options of maintenance of the recharge "face" of Lake "I", which minimizes impacts to the beneficial neighborhood values of the "buffer strip," and (3) work with the City to allow continued public access to the "buffer strip" consistent with prior City-Zone 7 public use agreements for Zone 7 open space areas. Pleasanton City Council 18 06/03/03 Minutes