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Chris Beratlis, 10 Beratlis Place, member of the Cemetery ad-hoc Committee, said that the purpose of the ad-hoc committee is to improve the Pleasanton Memorial Gardens Cemetery that is located in Pleasanton as it is badly maintained. He noted that the cemetery has been maintained over the years by the Odd Fellows, but this group is diminishing. The Cemetery ad-hoc Committee polled the community and circulated petitions, one of which contained 180 names, and other petition by the VFW with another 100 names. On behalf of the Cemetery ad-hoc Committee, he asked Council to consider setting aside $50,000 in the budget to provide the ad-hoc committee an opportunity to conduct a study for the future of the Pleasanton Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Ms. Ayala asked what the petitions said. Mr. Beratlis said the petition states that the "Pleasanton Memorial Gardens Cemetery on Sunol Boulevard, where many veterans of City founders are interred, has fallen into a sad state of disrepair. We, the undersigned, urge the City of Pleasanton to take over, refurbish and maintain the Odd Fellow Cemetery on Sunol Boulevard consistent with Pleasanton being a City of Planned Progress. It is requested by the undersigned that the City retain control of this cemetery to assume that we can provide up to 10 years of capacity, which would be sufficient until establishment of a larger Tri- Valley cemetery." Jim Wright, 4079 Jensen Street, a member of the Cemetery ad-hoc Committee, was interested in comments made earlier about the gateway to Pleasanton. He noted that there were some citizens that stated that they avoided the gateway to our community because of the blighted area, which is Pleasanton Memorial Gardens. It is the ad-hoc Committee's hope that in the future, Pleasanton can have a cemetery that it is proud of as there are 35 of the City's founding fathers that are laid to rest. It is important for the City to honor these people and keep their memory alive. As part of the City's Historical Walk, he suggested a tour of the cemetery. Through funding, an organization can be developed to refurbish and maintain the Pleasanton Memorial Garden Cemetery. Brace Fiedler, Administrator of Pleasanton Gardens, provided written communication. Mr. Fiedler requested that Council give serious consideration for the flood control improvements on the lower section of St. Mary's Creek before deleting this project from the Capital Improvement Program. Mayor Pico closed the public testimony. Since the proposal by the Cemetery ad-hoc Committee was unclear, Mr. Campbell asked staff what was the best way to proceed? Ms. McKeehan said that staff has been working with the Cemetery ad-hoc Committee. Council had directed staff to prepare a report and bring it back to Council explaining what was involved if the City wanted to take over control of the Pleasanton Memorial Gardens Cemetery, or suggest other options. Staff had agreed with the Pleasanton City Council 24 06/15/04 Minutes