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Nancy Allen stated that failure to include the extension of Stoneridge Drive in the Staples Ranch Plan seems fiscally irresponsible and asserted that its inclusion would serve to increase the tax base and therefore benefit the entire community. She also expressed concern that the property may not be annexed to Pleasanton without this extension but suggested that Supervisor Haggerty should offer a commitment to other regional improvements like the completion of State Route 84. She reiterated that the Staples Ranch project is a benefit to the City's tax base but only if residents can reach those businesses. Dick Karn said he is a member of the senior community eagerly waiting to join the CLC and encouraged the Council to move forward as rapidly as possible with the project and the long overdue extension of Stoneridge Drive. Pat Cashman, ACSPA Director, acknowledged the joint effort required to bring this project to fruition while considering the contentious points of view surrounding it. He stated that the ACSPA has concluded that the Stoneridge Drive extension is an imperative part of this project and cautioned that regional acceptance of the project is in jeopardy without it. On behalf of Alameda County and Supervisor Haggerty, Mr. Cashman asked the Council to work with staff on finalizing this matter. He said careful consideration of the project's documents show that the EIR has adequately studied the long term impacts and environmental implications of the extension. Otis Nostrand reviewed the General Plan's history relative to the extension of Stoneridge Drive. He voiced support for the Staples Ranch project combined with the Stoneridge Drive extension and cited LAFCO approval, County funding, tax revenue, job creation, much needed senior housing, improved and equitable housing circulation, added open space, recreation opportunities, improved public safety, and fiscal responsibility as incentives. He cautioned that failure to include a completed Stoneridge Drive may jeopardize the entire project and delay focus on the completion of State Route 84. Jan Batcheller concurred with Mr. Nostrand and suggested that Pleasanton look at this as its own stimulus package. She encouraged the Council to take decisive and fiscally responsible action by approving the EIR with the inclusion of the Stoneridge Drive extension tonight. She acknowledged the importance of considering all points of view but stated that Pleasanton has a history of exceedingly lengthy and expensive planning methods. She asked for leadership that offers consideration without losing sight of what is best for the entire community. Tom Miller referred to the proposed Stoneridge Drive extension maps and asked the Council if it were willing to be forced to create a "two mile onramp to I-580" and urged the Council not to be bullied into making another freeway out of Stoneridge Drive. Matt Morrison, Chair of the Tri-Valley Sierra Club chapter and Sierra Club representative to the Eastern Alameda County Conservation Strategy (EACCS), stated that the Tri-Valley Sierra Club voted unanimously to ask the Council not to approve the Staples Ranch Specific Plan EIR. In addition to the inadequate mitigation measures outlined by the ACA, the club felt there was improper mitigation for the San Joaquin spearscale habitat loss. He explained the alkali nature of the plant's habitat and acknowledged that while little is known about the species' biology and germination habits, it is known to germinate in response to soil disturbance and persist in weedy grasslands dominated by exotic species such as at Staples Ranch. Mr. Morrisson explained that the spearscale carries a California Native Plant Society ranking of 16.2 or "fairly endangered" with unknown but presumably stable or declining population trends. City Council Minutes Page 10 of 15 February 3, 2009