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1► <br />WORK STUDY SESSIONS <br />Bill Todd thanked the Council for allowing the public to hear the various <br />views on the issue of the El Toro site. <br />WS.B. CENTERLINE PROPOSED ROUTE AND CONSIDERATION OF <br />RECOMMENDATION TO PROCEED WITH PRELIMINARY <br />ENGINEERING <br />Jim Ross, Executive Director, Public Works Agency, presented an update <br />on the proposed route for the Centerline project. He noted that the <br />original route went through seven cities in Orange County. Many cities <br />opposed the routes planned for their respective city and the Orange <br />County Transportation Authority put the project on hold in February, 2001. <br />Since that time the Mayors of Santa Ana, Costa Mesa, and Irvine have <br />worked together on a proposed line affecting only these three cities. The <br />City Councils of Costa Mesa and Irvine have already supported this <br />alignment and have recommended a preliminary engineering study. Mr. <br />Ross then reviewed slides which revealed the proposed route through the <br />three cities, with particular emphasis on the proposed route in the City of <br />Santa Ana. He further noted that the Mayor is requesting support for a <br />preliminary engineering study which will be conducted prior to a final <br />decision on the alignment. <br />Art Leahy, representing the Orange County Transportation Authority <br />addressed the Council and provided information relative to the preliminary <br />study, the expected length of time for the study, and proposals for <br />involving the community in the process. He noted that preliminary <br />engineering marks the start of serious investigation, and that it involves <br />from one and one half to two years of evaluation. It further involves <br />technical analysis relative to design and costs. He emphasized that during <br />the process there will be outreach efforts for public input. The process will <br />allow opportunities to raise concerns and provide a more solid grasp of the <br />project. He noted that partnerships were essential to the success of the <br />light rail project. <br />Following the staff presentation, the Mayor announced that several <br />individuals had requested to speak on this matter. The following members <br />of the public addressed Council relative to the proposed light rail <br />alignment. <br />Fred Bella <br />Barry Christensen <br />Jon Dietz <br />Jon Gothold <br />For <br />Roy Shahbazian <br />Desi Reyes <br />Mark Strickert <br />Linus Taro <br />Eddie Hernandez <br />Rita Cepeda <br />Christopher Birkheimer <br />Edith Luna <br />CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 384 OCTOBER 15, 2001 <br />- - - <br />