CCMIN071707 - Laserfiche WebLink

20. Poetry Reading by 2007-09 Poet Laureate Martha Meltzer th Councilmember Cook-Kallio said at the June 19 Council meeting, Martha Meltzer was appointed the City’s fifth Poet Laureate. Ms. Meltzer read a poem titled “A Place for Poetry”. Connie Post said she was the Poet Laureate of Livermore, and voiced accolades for both Ms. Bryant and Ms. Meltzer. Jim Ott noted that he was the second Poet Laureate, congratulated Cynthia Bryant and welcome Martha Meltzer. 21. Public Comment Fred Norman advised that 92 American troops lost their lives in Iraq since the last Council meeting and felt the matter was one of gross immorality. Mayor Hosterman reported that the U.S. Conference of Mayors had recently adopted a resolution calling for the immediate troop withdrawal from Iraq. Judith Geiselman said she believes in government, diversity of opinions did not agree with the greenbelt initiative but supported the citizens in their right to petition. She felt it was disturbing that some Councilmembers agreed to publicly discuss matters involving the Planning Commissioner Chair. Jerry Wagner addressed the Council concerning the Pleasanton Mobile Home Park. Brenda Bush presented the Council with a signed petition by 83% of the occupied homeowners regarding the Machado Place closure as residents are concerned about having one entrance/exit from the neighborhood. She asked the Council to allow them more time as residents were told the closure would not occur until November 2008. Julie Testa address Council concerning proposed petition initiatives and she was disappointed that the Council challenged someone else for doing the same thing as some of the current sitting Councilmembers. Jan Batcheller encouraged the Council to express their opinions on initiatives and to highlight the facts. Anne Fox thanked Councilmembers Sullivan and McGovern for their support at the last meeting. She indicated Kris Kumaran a former Planning Commission Chair along with Carole Varela and Stan Erickson formed the group Preserve Our Pleasanton, and worked on the CAPP Initiative. She indicated it was put on the ballot and members of the Planning Commission did not endorse it, but they were not intimidated by the Mayor at the time for not endorsing the petition. Brad Hirst said the City is facing Initiatives concerning Staples Ranch and Pleasanton gateway which are two very thinly veiled attempts to stop the extension of Stoneridge Drive. If they are successful and they go to ballot, the City will face a great deal of revenue loss and control over the Staples Ranch. He urged the Council to take a position of leadership and express opinion on the Initiatives whether they are for or against them and felt the Council had a responsibility to speak out to citizens. City Council Minutes 4 July 17, 2007