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. I . . - section ofEl Camino which will extend from the Woodside overpass to Vera. But I would like to see, and our hope is, that immediately upon finishing this, ~ and it is now in the planning stage, the landscape architects are planning right now, my hope as your liaison from the Council, is that immediately upon finishing that, we will be able to complete, methodically, the rest of El Camino. And then go on as quickly as possible to all the other thoroughfares. I would like to see this be enough of a priority that we can complete all of El Camino in this upcoming fiscal year. I would like to see us move even more quickly than that and go on to other streets. But that might be too much to ask for. I would like Council feedback on how quickly everyone would like to see this priority completed." Councilman Claire asked if Councilman Ruskin's committee had worked with the Planning Commission and the Community Development Department on an overall plan for the El Camino corridor. Councilman Ruskin said 'no'. Councilrnan Claire said, "I agree that it should be done quite quickly... But I would hope that your committee would continue to work with the long range plans for El Camino and work with the Planning Commission or representatives of the Planning Commission to see if we can resurrect the El Camino Plan that was (developed) in 1980 which is still relevant... If we had implemented that plan in 1980 you would not be talking about beautification tonight. I would like to urge your committee to explore those opportunities with the Planning Commission to see if they would like to embark on this - project... Beautification of the street itself is one thing, but changing the uses and changing the look from a strip development to one like the Franklin Street project... takes a greater planning effort and... we need to revisit that plan." Councilman Ruskin agreed and said, "What I have been wanting to do, is to complete, so as not to lose momentum, complete the beautification of this initial section from Woodside to Vera. But what I would like to do next is to begin looking at whole areas, the remainder of El Camino in one fell swoop in terms of the design. And also in talks with Terry Bottomley, our landscape architect, he has brought up some very interesting points... that Jefferson Avenue is actually a vital corridor to the growth of the City and the revitalization of the downtown. That has caused me to think that we need to put renewed attention on Jefferson Avenue. These are the very things that could come up by working with the Planning Commission... I would like to know that there will be a sufficient amount of funds. .. to actually be able to see some palpable progress without it dragging on for many years." Councilwoman Buchan said, "I second Councilman Claire's idea about working with the Planning Commission. I think that is very important. I also - recall the El Camino Plan and I think it is time to look at it in the big picture process. As much as I want to see El Camino move ahead quickly, I would ADJOURNED REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTE BOOK NO. 55 JUNE 23,1997 MINUTES Page No. 421 PAGE 19