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City Finances <br />• Maintain Fiscal Sustainability: An increase in the temporary recession reserve fund <br />was made in the amount of $1 million, bringing the fund to $6.1 million. This fund <br />would allow for continued funding and maintenance of services during an economic <br />downturn. Future decisions will be guided by the long-range forecast that projects <br />revenues and expenditures ten years into the future. In addition, the City currently <br />has $9.2 million in reserves to address short-term economic uncertainty. <br />Pre-funding the retiree medical benefit in an irrevocable trust, similar to the way <br />pension costs are financed, is encouraged by a new accounting rule, GASB 45. To <br />comply with this new standard, an actuarially determined annual contribution must <br />be invested each year beginning in FY 2008-09 or reported as a liability in annual <br />financial statements. Staff continues to work with the actuary and legal consultants <br />to evaluate options in line with the long-range forecasts of the City. Early disclosure <br />of the City's long term liability was included in the 2006/2007 Comprehensive Annual <br />Financial Report. <br />Affordable Housing <br />.Address Affordable Housing Needs: The Kottinger Place senior housing complex <br />opened in 1972 an d provides affordable housing for low-income senio rs. The <br />Council has formed the Kottinger Place Task Force to explore options for joint <br />redevelopment with Pleasanton Gardens. A preferred site plan concept is under <br />development; and a presentation is planned for the City Council's review in the <br />spring 2008. <br />Traffic <br />• Implement Improved Traffic Circulation Measures: Significant traffic policy issues <br />have been addressed through the General Plan update, including along-term policy <br />related to the Stoneridge Drive extension, the I-580 and I-680 improvements and <br />constrained gateways on local arterials to improve congestion. <br />The City has worked with its regional partners to complete the Tri-Valley Triangle <br />Traffic Study. The City will resume work in the coming year with the cities of Dublin <br />and Livermore and Alameda County to develop a regional policy statement on the <br />timing, sequence and funding of state and local roadway improvements. <br />In terms of physical infrastructure, the 2000 Bernal Property Specific Plan <br />contemplated the extension of Valley Avenue from its then existing terminus at <br />Bernal Avenue to Junipero/Case Avenue. Construction of the Valley Avenue <br />underpass began in July 2005 and was completed and opened for public use in mid- <br />July 2007. <br />Page 3 of 7 <br />