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Councilmember Sullivan expressed concern that, as the State requirements for renewable energy increases, more of these proposals will come forward. He asked staff to request an analysis of the current lines, the potential for expanding upon those, and the possibility of using existing routes to minimize impacts. He asked the record to reflect the need for better coordination of efforts. Councilmember Thorne said the issue of transporting renewable energy from the generation point to the point of use is a national issue. He concurred with Councilmember Sullivan that efforts need to focus on the most efficient, not least expensive, method for doing so. Councilmember Sullivan noted that the implementation of an AB811 District will ease that problem by keeping the energy source local. Vice -Mayor Cook- Kallio questioned if either a private utility like PG &E or a municipal district has any advantage over the other and if their level of cooperation is determined by a need for customers. She shared her concerns for the health issues surrounding this and cited 2 instances of juvenile leukemia that doctors attributed to a close proximity to transmission towers. Councilmember McGovern suggested that all area agencies meet together to discuss their concerns and collectively draft this letter. Mayor Hosterman suggested that the council wait until some feedback has been received. Councilmember Sullivan noted that there will not be any feedback until the EIR is finished and circulated. Mr. Fialho outlined the process, beginning with a letter from staff which captures the comments of the Council and is forwarded to the JPA. The JPA will then begin the EIR process and staff will have a second opportunity to comment when the draft EIR is circulated. He acknowledged Councilmember McGovern's point and explained that the 3 planning directors of Pleasanton, Livermore, and Alameda County have been working in concert with one another on this issue. They are coordinating their responses and planning to meet as a group in the future. Councilmember McGovern stressed the importance of maximizing every opportunity to protect the area's interests in this. BREAK: Mayor Hosterman called for a 4- minute break and thereafter reconvened the regular meeting. 17. Consideration of a Business Assistance Program to Support the Retention and Attraction of Local Businesses Economic Development Director Pamela Ott provided the staff report, stating that following the Council's discussion on economic development opportunities earlier this year, staff has met with representatives of the Pleasanton Downtown Association, Chamber of Commerce, and Economic Vitality Committee to discuss methods for collectively and individually supporting the business community. She noted that many of the proposed programs are aimed at the downtown area, stressed that businesses throughout the community are in need of this assistance and explained the downtown area will pilot many of the programs before they are applied to the broader community. The program focuses on marketing and promotion, retention and attraction, and development through the use of workshops, a market data study, promotional signage regulations, and shop local incentives; a downtown design loan assistance program, tenant improvement program, sales tax reimbursement program, and deferment or financing of development fees. Certain elements of the program such as the market data study and promotional signage adjustments can be City Council Minutes Page 9 of 11 June 2, 2009