Pleasanton council hears questions on Lineside Wayside Park project, park sound system and parking-lot use

Council members on May 20 asked staff clarifying questions about Lineside Wayside Park (listed as item 11 on the consent calendar) after staff said the construction project came in under budget.

Councilmember Testa asked why excess funds were not used to extend a concert-area sound system so more of the park could hear performances; staff replied that wiring and infrastructure for future speakers were installed as part of the project, and that speakers could be added later. City Engineer Adam Nelke explained the park master plan identified the area as a parking and access location and said some space is still reserved for future amenities, including a tot lot. Councilmember Gaydos asked whether the city’s purchase of the former liquor-store parcel (described in staff materials as a multi‑million‑dollar acquisition) was being repurposed only for parking or whether alternative uses had been discussed; staff said the parcel was planned to unlock underutilized parking behind the Firehouse Arts Center but left open the possibility of future uses.

The agenda packet and supplemental materials were available to council on the dais, and Mayor Karla Balch recused herself from item 11 after disclosing a campaign contribution from the contractor within the last 12 months. After public comment on consent items and no public speakers on item 11, the council approved the consent calendar (with item 2 continued) and recorded Mayor Balch’s recusal in the roll-call announcement.

Council members asked staff to return with more details on specific items that had been discussed previously in ad hoc meetings and requested that future staff reports reflect those discussions where appropriate.