CCMIN091807 - Laserfiche WebLink

Ms. Nelson provided a PowerPoint presentation which included discussion points concerning: • The High Speed Rail Authority • The Tri-Valley's Vision for Rail Investment • Maps depicting travel demand patterns to/from Tri-Valley and to/from Altamont (2020) • Regional Rail Plan Overall Vision • Regional Rail Plan (Without High Speed Rail) • Regional Rail Options Studied for Tri-Valley • Regional Rail Plan Draft Recommendations for the Tri-Valley • Is the Regional Rail Plan Consistent with the Tri-Valley's Vision? • Bay Area High Speed Rail Alignment Options - I-580 • Bay Area High Speed Rail Alignment Options -Union Pacific • Bay Area High Speed Rail Alignment Options • Next Steps in the Tri-Valley • Issues for Further Study • Key Dates • Photos of I-580 Existing and I-580 with High Speed Rail Mayor Hosterman said both she and Supervisor Haggarty had an interest to include in the study BART beyond, and Ms. Nelson agreed and this was included in the PAC recommendation, but it is not expressed in the current recommendation from the regional rail plan. Ms. Nelson introduced Tom Radulovich, a BART Board Director, who was seated in the audience to answer any questions. Mayor Hosterman said staff is asking the Council to review regional rail and high speed rail alternatives and provide direction on a letter to be sent to the MTC with comments on the EIR/EIS process. Councilmember Cook-Kallio referred to the map presented by Ms. Nelson and questioned how a train could go through Pleasanton at over 200 mph. Ms. Nelson said this was a maximum speed; that the train operating through the Tri-Valley would be traveling at these high speeds only through long stretches and where stops are not made. It would operate through the Tri- Valley around cities at about 90 mph and noted current trains were operating at about 30 mph with stops and about 45 mph without stops. There would be no cross traffic, they would be operating quietly, the rail would be depressed, there would be no additional space required and no interruption between street traffic. Deputy Public Works Tassano said staff is also going to be making a presentation regarding the plan, as well. Councilmember McGovern confirmed that a draft EIR has been done on the high speed rail alternatives for reaching the Bay Area, it will be finalized at the end of the year, and the environmental document is the next step on the BART extension, and that high speed rail would operate and most likely have one stop at IsabeVStanley, which would be at about 50-60 mph. It would also go through Livermore, Fremont, Redwood City and Oakland. Councilmember McGovern noted it would go through Bernal Park where the Council has been trying to make serene and felt this would be a major impact. She asked if Pleasanton had to have high speed rail come through town. Mrs. Nelson said there are a couple of options; one would be to have high speed rail operating in the I-580 median rather than through the existing Union Pacific corridor, which is significantly more money and involves structures. The other City Council Minutes 7 September 18, 2007