he road to the upcoming Pleasanton Initiatives election has been a long one. Some voters may not even recall what has transpired over the last three plus years.

The following excerpts of minutes of past meetings are offered to give the history of what has been discussed in this contentious period - from the purchase of the buildings on Main Street to the election being set for May 12. Please see our website www.pleasantonexpress.com for the complete excerpts involving the Community Center/Library project.

BUILDINGS CONSIDERED - December 4, 2008

Discussion and Action on purchase and rehabilitation of Williams Hardware and Dowdy’s stores as proposed Community Center and public Library. City Manager Coronado gave a presentation to Council on the proposed Community Center and Public Library and the benefit of having them in a central location. Mrs. Coronado reported that Raba-Kistner had done a thorough study of the Williams Hardware and Dowdy’s buildings and found issues with the roof, plumbing and electrical systems and the air condition unit. The overall costs to renovate the Williams Hardware building for a Community Center in the Industrial Park would be $2,535,000. The cost to renovate the Williams Hardware building for a Community Center would be $1,063,750, resulting in a savings of $1,461,250. The cost for new construction of a Library would be $905,000. The cost to renovate the Dowdy’s building for a Library would be $586,875, resulting in a savings of $318, 125. The total amount of savings to renovate the Williams Hardware and Dowdy’s buildings would be $1,779,375. Councilmember Garza then made the motion to purchase the Williams building for a price not to exceed $350,000 for the Pleasanton Community Center and the Dowdy’s building for the price not to exceed $295,000 for the Pleasanton Public Library, with both buildings to be rehabilitated. Councilmember Hurley seconded the motion.

BUILDINGS PURCHASED - December 18, 2008

Acquisition of Williams Hardware for $350,000 ($25,000 less the original asking price) and Dowdy’s store $285,000 ($10,000 less the original asking price).

ARCHITECT/STEERING COMMITTEE SOUGHT - January 22, 2009

Authorization to request proposals from architects for work on Community Center and Library. YES: Councilmember Gallegos, Powell, Garza, Magel, Hurley and Mayor Carroll NO: Councilmember Saenz

Consideration and action on appointing building steering committee for Community Center and Library- Kathy Coronado: City Manager Coronado recommended the Building Steering Committee consist of members from the Library Group, the Community Center Croup and anyone else Council chooses to add. Mrs. Patsy Troell gave the following recommendations from the Community Center Group: Bob Hurley, Jim Coronado and Patsy Troell. Ms. Diana Guthrie gave the following recommendations from the Library Group: Diana Guthrie, Kathleen Guerra and Dorothy Manning. Mayor Carroll recommended Councilmember Clint Powell to represent City Council. Councilmember Garza seconded the motion that carried by the following vote: YES: Councilmembers Gallegos, Powell, Garza, Magel, Hurley and Mayor Carroll NO: Councilmember Saenz

PLANS PRESENTED March 4, 2010

Presentation of proposed plans for Community Center/Library and discussion of construction phases – Diana Guthrie:

Ms. Diana Guthrie, Chairperson of the committee presented a video by Jonathan Guajardo, son of Robert Guajardo, architect for this project. The video showed the existing buildings and pictures of what they are planning to look like. Mr. Guajardo stated that Council may want to consider phasing the project beginning with the Library.

USDA APPLICATION WITHDRAWN January 6, 2011

Discussion and action on continuing application process with USDA for financing of Community Center/Library project, Kathy Coronado: City Manager Coronado stated that those working on this project have concerns on the requirements and feel that it is not in the City’s best interest to obtain a USDA loan. Councilmember Powell moved to withdraw application with the USDA for financing of Community Center/ Library Project. Councilmember Gallegos seconded the motion which carried unanimously.

PLANS UPDATED February 17, 2011

Update of plans for Community Center/Library Project: City Manager Coronado stated that she hopes to get plans from the architect within the next two weeks and then bring them to Council.

STATUS AND FUNDS NEEDED DISCUSSED - June 16, 2011

Discussion on status of Library/Community Center and funds needed to complete project – Councilmember J.R. Gallegos:

Councilmember Gallegos stated that he feels this project is taking too long and wants to know how much more money is needed and when will it move forward. City Manager Coronado explained that the balance due is approximately $1.5 million and was given project estimates of $2.2 -$2.5 million from Tommy Shearrer and $2.5 million from Randy Ricks. Mrs. Patsy Troell, Committee member urged Council to help them figure out how to complete the buildings and they will get them furnished.

CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE -July 7, 2011

Discussion of construction schedule for new Pleasanton Library and Community Center – Councilmember Jeanne B. Israel: Councilmember Israel requested the City Manager have someone at the next meeting to discuss the construction schedule with Council. Mrs. Coronado stated that Mr. Guajardo, the architect on this project, should soon be bringing a set of pans for council’s approval before going out on bids and he expects that we could be going out for bids, the contract and complete construction time within a seven to eight month range.

REDEDICATION PERCENTAGE CHANGED July 21, 2011

Discussion and action on rededication of percentage of revenue received from sale of city property-Councilmember Jeanne B. Israel: Councilmember Israel explained that since the Community Center/Library project has been funded, the City should consider a different dedication of funds from the sale of property in the Industrial park. Councilmember Israel then moved to change the percentage of revenue that we dedicate from the sale of property to the Community Center/ Library from 75 percent to 20 percent and then change the General Fund percentage from 25 to 0 percent and create an account that would be specific for real estate/property acquisition and fund debt from 80 percent of the revenue that we receive for sale of property. Councilmember Jackson seconded the motion which carried by the following vote.

YES: Councilmembers Jackson, Garza, Magel, Israel and Mayor Powell

NO: Councilmembers Gallegos and Saenz

PROJECT TO BE COMPLETED JOINTLY

Discussion and action on Community Center/Library project building construction to be completed jointly- Councilmember Jeanne B. Israel: Councilmember Israel made a motion that the Community Center/Library Project building construction be completed jointly and not in phases. Councilmember Magel seconded the motion which carried by the following vote:

YES: Councilmembers Gallegos, Jackson, Garza, Magel, Israel and Mayor Powell

NO: Councilmember Saenz

PLANS APPROVED - July 28, 2011

Review and approval of plans for Community Center/Library Project – Kathy Coronado:

Mr. Guajardo, architect for this project, gave Council the opportunity to review the project plans and drawings of the exterior. ... After advertising for bids, coming before Council for approval and then preconstruction conferences, the construction time should be 7-8 months, for a total of approximately one year. Councilmember Gallegos then moved to approve the plans for the Community Center/Library Project as presented. Councilmember Israel seconded the motion carried by the following vote:

YES: Councilmembers Gallegos, Jackson, Garza, Magel, Israel and Mayor Powell. NO: Councilmember Saenz

REDEDICATION PERCENTAGE CHANGED - October 6, 2011

Discussion and action of Community Center/Library Project plans providing for the closure of the 100 block of N. Main Street – Kathy Coronado:

City Manager Coronado explained that the current plans have columns 9-10 feet away from the building and these plans will have to be changed if we don’t close the street. Architect Guajardo stated that the plans also included a roof overhang into the street. He also stated a parking lot will be made for customers. Councilmember Magel stated he would also like to see Main Street remain open. Councilmember Gallegos then moved to disapprove the Community Center/Library Project plans providing for the closure of the 100 block of N. Main street. Councilmember Saenz seconded the motion. After further discussion regarding parking, Councilmember Gallegos called for the question. Councilmember Garza seconded the call for question which carried by the following vote:

YES: Councilmembers Gallegos, Garza, Magel, Saenz and Mayor Powell. NO: Councilmembers Jackson and Israel.

The motion to disapprove the Community Center/Library Project plans providing for the closure of the 100 block of N. Main Street then carried by the following vote:

YES: Councilmembers Gallegos, Garza, Magel and Saenz. NO: Councilmembers Jackson, Israel and Mayor Powell.

CLOSING A SMALL PART OF MAIN STREET DISCUSSED - October 20, 2011

Discussion and action on proceeding with approved plans for Community Center/Library Project or Changing Plans to Allow 100 Block of N. Main Street to Remain Open- Kathy Coronado:

Mayor Powell asked the architect if we could proceed with the building design plans and narrow the street later on. Mr. Guajardo replied “no”. Councilmember Magel asked if there was an alternate plan in case the street was not closed. Mr. Guajardo replied “no, because it would leave the building with a flat face”....Councilmember Gallegos then moved to direct Mr. Guajardo, our architect, to change the plans for the Community Center/Library Project to allow the 100 block of N. Main Street to remain open. Councilmember Garza seconded the motion. Mr. Guajardo estimated the project would take three months longer with an additional cost of $10,000 if the motion passes. After much discussion regarding both sides of the street closure issue, the motion carried by the following vote:

YES: Councilmembers Gallegos, Garza, Magel and Saenz

NO: Councilmember Israel and Mayor Powell. (Councilmember Jackson was not present to vote.)

CONSEQUENCES OF LEAVING 100 BLOCK OF MAIN OPEN - November 3, 2011

Discussion on reconsideration and consequences of action taken by council on leaving the 100 block on N. Main Street open to traffic and directing architect to change the plans of the Community Center/Library Project - Councilmember Jeanne B. Israel: Councilmember Israel sated that she respects Council’s difference of opinion and asked that she have an item that will allow for further discussion and possible reconsideration of this project. Mrs. Israel then stated that the consequences of leaving Main Street open and disapproving the existing Community Center/Library plans and going out for a redesign for the front of the building may result in a special election for an initiative instead of a referendum at an estimated cost of $115,167.05. ...Councilmember Garza then called for question. Councilmember Israel seconded the call for question. After more discussion, the motion to table Agenda Item #15 carried by the following vote:

YES: Councilmembers Gallegos, Garza, Magel and Saenz

NO: Councilmembers Jackson, Israel and Mayor Powell.

Councilmember Gallegos then moved to adjourn. Councilmember Saenz seconded the motion which carried by the following vote:

YES: Councilmembers Gallegos, Garza, Saenz and Israel.

NO: Councilmembers Jackson, Magel and Mayor Powell.

INITIATIVE PETITION PRESENTED BY JUDY HAVINS January 5, 2012

Presentation and filing of a voter initiative petition to the City Council for the purpose of petitioning, pursuant to article XIII, Sections 1 and 2 of the Home Rule Charter of the City of Pleasanton, to have two voter initiatives submitted to a vote of the qualified voters of Pleasanton at the next regularly scheduled city election - Judy Havins: Mrs. Judy Havins presented a Voter Initiative Petition to Council and formally filed it with the City Secretary. Mrs. Havins stated the petition contains two initiatives to be submitted to a vote at the next Regular City Election. Since November 28, 2011, 728 signatures were collected in support of the petition. Mrs. Havins stated this reflects obvious interest of the citizens for Council to revisit their decision on the design of the Community Center and Library, and to close Main Street in front of those buildings. Mrs. Havins also asked Council to take into consideration the December 5th letter from TxDOT which recommends the removal of the traffic light at Main and Goodwin. Mrs. Havins informed Council that if they change their vote, it will not go to an election, and thus save costs and delays. City Attorney Bobby Maldonado then explained the steps in the procedure. The petition must first be filed with the City Secretary. She then has five days to present the petition, along with her recommendation to Council, and must certify that the petition requirements have been met. Council then has to take a position at the point to vote the ordinance into effect or call a special election.

CITY SECRETARY URRABAZO CONFIRMS PETITION - January 10, 2012

City Secretary presentation of January 5, 2012 initiative petition and proposed ordinance to City Council for consideration and action consistent with the City of Pleasanton Home Rule Charter: Councilmember Israel moved to put an item for discussion and action on the next agenda of the City Council’s regularly scheduled meeting on January 19th for consideration of the initiative petition and proposed ordinance consistent with the City of Pleasanton Home rule Charter. Councilmember Jackson seconded the motion. Councilmember Gallegos then amended the motion to include “or to call a Special Election”. Councilmember Jackson seconded the amendment to the motion which carried unanimously. The motion to put an item for discussion and action on the next agenda of the City Council’s regularly scheduled meeting on January 19 for consideration of the initiative petition and proposed ordinance consistent with the City of Pleasanton Home Rule Charter, or to call a Special Election then carried unanimously.

ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION INITIATIVES - #1 & #2 FAILS - January 19, 2012

Consideration and action on adopting a resolution consistent with voter initiative #1 “A resolution, by initiative of the qualified voters of the City of Pleasanton, approving and adopting the Community Center/Library plans, previously approved on or about July 28, 2011, by the Pleasanton City Council and allowing the Community Center/Library Project to proceed as set out in those approved plans.”

Councilmember Israel made a motion to adopt a resolution consistent with Voter Initiative#1 “A resolution, by initiative of the qualified voters of the City of Pleasanton, approving and adopting the Community Center/Library plans, previously approved on or about July 28, 2011, by the Pleasanton City Council and allowing the Community Center/Library Project to proceed as set out in those approved plans.” Councilmember Jackson seconded the motion which failed by the following vote:

YES: Councilmembers Israel, Jackson and Mayor Powell.

NO: Councilmembers Gallegos, Garza, Magel and Saenz.

Consideration and action on adopting a resolution consistent with voter initiative #2 -“An ordinance, by initiative of the qualified voters of the City of Pleasanton, closing, vacating and abandoning a portion of the 100 block of North Main Street in the City of Pleasanton, Texas, being that portion immediately adjacent to the Community Center and Library Project and buildings, as more particularly described in the proposed ordinance.” Councilmember Israel made the motion. Councilmember Jackson seconded the motion which failed by the following vote:

YES: Councilmembers Israel, Jackson and Mayor Powell.

NO: Councilmembers Gallegos, Garza, Magel and Saenz.

INITIATIVE # 1 ON SPECIAL ELECTION

Consideration and action on calling a Special Election to be held on the next available official election day at which time the qualified voters of the City of Pleasanton shall vote on the question of adopting or rejecting voter initiative #1 “A resolution, by initiative of the qualified voters of the City of Pleasanton, approving and adopting the Community Center/Library plans, previously approved on or about July 28, 2011, by the Pleasanton City Council and allowing the Community Center/ Library Project to proceed as set out in those approved plans.” Motion was made by Councilmember Israel. Councilmember Jackson seconded the motion which carried unanimously.

INITIATIVE # 2 ON SPECIAL ELECTION

Consideration and action on calling a Special Election to be held on the next available official election day at which time the qualified voters of the City of Pleasanton shall vote on the question of adopting or rejecting voter initiative #2 “An ordinance, by initiative of the qualified voters of the City of Pleasanton, closing, vacating and abandoning a portion of the 100 block of North Main Street in the City of Pleasanton, Texas, being that portion immediately adjacent to the Community Center and Library Project and buildings, as more particularly described in the proposed ordinance.”: Councilmember Gallegos made the motion and Councilmember Saenz seconded the motion which carried unanimously.