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Regarding the recommendation made by the Planning Commission to develop a contingency plan in the event that major assumptions in the General Plan (for example, the housing cap) are invalidated or modified, it should be noted that if references to the housing cap were eliminated from the General Plan as it is proposed, the Plan would remain a legally adequate document and would still incorporate policies and programs that would effectively manage growth and ensure orderly development. The subsequent preparation of a new Housing Element for consideration by the Planning Commission and the City Council will provide an opportunity for the community to weigh in on if, how much, where, and what kind of residential development beyond the cap should be considered. Additional CEQA analysis of such development would also be required. Staff Recommended Amendments to the April 24, 2009, Draft General Plan Attachment 13 includes several minor amendments to the April 24, 2009, draft that are being recommended by staff. These are generally clarifications to assumptions, factual corrections, an addition to the Safety Element regarding the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan needed to fulfill emergency preparedness requirements, a minor amendment to Program 3.4 in the Water Element, minor amendments to the Best Management Practices in Program 6.5 of the Air Quality and Climate Change Element, to address the feasibility of energy efficiency requirements and the City policy regarding commercial recycling programs, and minor amendments to Programs 1.1, 4.6, and 7.1 of the Noise Element. Staff also notes that Program 1.6 in the Circulation Element as it addresses the future construction of Stoneridge Drive has been modified to reflect the actions of the City Council as relates to the approval of Staples Ranch. Specifically, the second part of the policy as it was previously written, which refers to deferral of any decision to construct the Stoneridge Drive extension for one year, has been deleted. Additionally, the policy calls for the development a regional agreement for strategic approach and funding plan for relieving traffic congestion in the Tri- Valley. This agreement which will require approval by the City Council will prioritize funding for improvements to 1 -580, 1 -680, and State Route 84 and requires the completion of a regional arterial network that includes Dublin Boulevard, Jack London Boulevard, North Canyons Parkway, and the Stoneridge Drive extension. The earlier version of Program 1.6 and the current version of the program are shown in Attachment 14 of this agenda report. Staff believes the current version of the program is consistent with the City Council's decision to construct the Stoneridge Drive extension. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT The Draft EIR for the Proposed General Plan was completed and released on September 22, 2008. The Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on the Draft on October 15, 2008, and the public comment period (which was extended to 75 days) ended on December 5, 2008. Together, the Draft EIR, Final EIR, and EIR Errata comprise the entire EIR document for the project. The CEQA Findings and the Statement of Overriding Considerations is a stand alone document which was derived directly from the EIR. Staff is recommending adoption of these documents. Page 6 of 8