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- . . . . - Member Hartnett said volunteers could be used who want to help fix up existing fields, as long as they are going to be properly maintained. He said if the City fixes - up some of their fields, then "we can concentrate additional resources on expansion of the number of fields. There is an absolutely crying need for those fields, which we as a Council have heard over and over again. The longer we wait the less likely it is there is going to be any space left to get a field." Council Member Hartnett said he didn't have an interest in moving up the Roosevelt Avenue reconstruction. He said the Bair Island issue as recommended by Mr. Hughes was interesting He said the presence of a modest amount of money could get the attention of the people who will own the property and encourage them to open it up for public use. He said if the money was allocated, it probably wouldn't be spent in the next fiscal year, but if it was on the books, it would send a message that the Council thought this was an important issue. Council Member Hartnett said he supported emergency repairs to the creek wall, and the Cordilleras Creek. Vice Mayor Ruskin said he agreed that some money should be set aside for public access to Bair Island. He said he supported the proposed repairs to Cordilleras Creek and other creek walls. Vice Mayor Ruskin said it was important for Council to remain true to its stated priorities, and playing fields were identified as high priority and it was incumbent upon the Council to set aside some serious money to do what Council Member Hartnett spoke about. Vice Mayor Ruskin said aesthetics were also a high priority, and "if we are going to make that a priority... we need to put aside some significant funds so that we can in the next fiscal year make some improvements - in terms of entryways, commercial thoroughfares like EI Camino." Vice Mayor Ruskin said the Tree Preservation policy is being studied and that may also need funds for new tree planting. He said the Council couldn't do everything it needed to do in one fiscal year, but it did need to stay focused on its priorities and set funds aside to do that. Council Member Bain said he agreed with Council Members Hartnett and Ruskin regarding playing fields and Cordilleras Creek repairs. In response to Council Member Bain's questions, Parks Superintendent Hover and City Manager Everett explained all the work done to renovate fields and why it costs $250,000 and takes approximately nine months to complete. In response to Council Member Ira's questions regarding repairs to Cordilleras Creek, Director Ingram said the rough estimate was $150,000 and was included in the $750,000 proposed budget for all creek repairs. Council Member Ira said he supported the creek repairs and they could be phased in. Council Member Ira said he also agreed that playing fields were a top priority, and the Council should set aside funds to enter a joint venture to purchase land for another playing field. He said the City needed more than one field, and described the wear and tear on the existing fields. - ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING STUDY SESSION MINUTE BOOK NO. 56 MARCH 23, 1998 MINUTES Page No. 357 PAGE 12