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the concerns of the residents of the areas. She felt that would demonstrate that Council really cares about the quality of life of those residents. Mayor Hosterman asked Mr. Iserson to explain why Stoneridge and West Las Positas are still in consideration and discussion, even though members of the Council have clearly stated their opposition due to quality of life issues. Mr. Iserson explained the main reason they are included is because they are currently in the existing General Plan, so it is necessary to analyze the effect and include the study in the environmental impact report. It was previously believed they would be helpful in reducing traffic in other areas of the city. That may or may not be the case now. He acknowledged there are quality of life issues that may supersede mere traffic questions. Mayor Hosterman believed a decision will be made to run traffic models, which do not include the Stoneridge Drive Extension, and West Las Positas interchange. She asked how those models including Stoneridge and West Las Positas would be of value to Council, when it reviews traffic circulation and land use. Mr. Iserson said the data would demonstrate what impacts construction of the Stoneridge extension and West Las Positas interchange would have on other streets and intersections in the city. However, if it is a foregone conclusion that they will not happen, there will be no technical medt other than providing the data. That analysis will still have to be done at the EIR stage, so it is really a question of now or later. Nelson Fialho indicated the approach staff took was similar to the discussions on the Bernal property. There were five alternatives, public discussion, and ultimately Council chose two alternatives. That is the approach in this instance. Staff identified five potential traffic circulation elements and hoped to develop a forum for discussion. At the next meeting, Council would select the preferred alternative so the land use discussion could begin. Discussion can wait until the EIR process, but the downside of that is a limited time for discussion of the pros and cons of the issues. After discussion, an informed decision can be made. He acknowledged that an informed decision could be based on things not related to traffic impacts and purely based on quality of life. Ms. Roberts reminded Council that when it gets to the EIR, there are overriding considerations that can be made. Mr. Brozosky referred to the 1996 General Plan and asked what modeling tool was used that required the Stoneridge extension and West Las Positas interchange be included? Mr. Iserson said it was a different model than is being used today. Mr. Brozosky said the model being used is a tool. The data and traffic numbers are not absolute. Many things need to be considered, including actual observations. He felt enough discussion has been held on these issues, unless staff has a particular point it wants to make. Joint Workshop City Council and Planning Commission 8 05/24/05