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ATTACHMENT 2 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS There were none. 7. MATTERS BEFORE THE COMMISSION A. Results of Neiehborhood Meetine Reeardine arooosed improvements to Uooer Bernal Fields Mr. Wolfe noted that one of the goals in the 2007/08 City Council Work Plan is to evaluate the potential conversion of Upper Bernal Field from natural grass to a synthetic, all-weather type surface. The field is currently used heavily by the neighborhood, girls softball, boys baseball, soccer and Horizon High School students. This property is leased from the Pleasanton Unified School District, and maintained by City crews. To gauge neighborhood reaction to any proposed changes to the site, staff and Commissioner Kinzer facilitated a community meeting on June 9, 2008 at Heazst Elementary School, which was attended by approximately 50 people. The discussion among attendees was constructive, and the following issues were raised: 1) traffic mitigation; 2) increased injuries from participation on an aztificial surface; 3) neighborhood concerns, i.e. fencing, loss of use, increased traffic, lights on for longer periods of time, pazking, environmental concerns, and lack of restrooms; 4) exclusive sports groups use. Mr. Wolfe indicated that staff felt there was a clear consensus that the City should not consider converting this field because of impacts to the neighbor's use of the field. He noted that staff believes the focus for synthetic fields should be considered at Bemal Community Pazk, rather than Upper Bemal. Mr. Wolfe discussed additional options for improving the overall site at Upper Bernal, which could be considered by the Commission. Commissioner Pentin questioned whether Upper Bernal was a neighborhood pazk, and discussed with Mr. Wolfe use of the pazk by surrounding neighbors. Mr. Wolfe advised that Commissioners had been provided copies of all email messages received by staff relating to this item. Cororoissioner Kummer opened the meeting for public comment at 7:13 p.m. Greg Crofton. 4757 Peaceful Lane -indicated he was in favor of more sports fields, but couldn't understand why there was a recommendation to improve Upper Bemal to an all-weather field, other than the fact that lights aze already in place there. He discussed the lack of set-backs at the park, and felt that additional uses would impact the neighbors. Mr. Crofton also felt that additional use of the pazk would bring an increase in traffic. He agreed that making improvements to the park, i.e. benches, baz-b-que's, etc. were needed, but changing the field to anall-weather surface would definitely impact neighbors. Martin Miller. 4754 Peaceful Lane -advised that his family uses this field as a community park and had concerns about proposed improvements, especially drainage of the field. Mr. Miller looks forward to the Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes July 10, 2008 Page 2