Laserfiche WebLink
Fred Norman urged the Council to take a stance on Castlewood's actions. He said the wars <br /> must stop and he asked the public to join Pleasantonians for Peace it's a peaceful anti -war <br /> demonstration, and said the best way to support our troops is to save their lives by bringing <br /> them home now. <br /> Karen DeBaca Martens also urged the Council to address the lockout of Castlewood <br /> employees. She commented on what she believed to be incorrect facts in ballot argument in <br /> favor of the Oak Grove project. She acknowledged the Council's constraints regarding <br /> discussion of the Urban Habitat litigation, but said she has found Judge Roesch to be incorrect <br /> in the past and asked the Council to appeal his decision. She referred to a letter from Ralph <br /> Kanz of Alameda Creek Alliance, regarding the Environmental Impact Report for the Oak Grove <br /> project and believed the new information to be of substantial importance, and requested the <br /> Council review the issue. <br /> Councilmember Sullivan said the Council received a copy of Mr. Kanz's letter which identified <br /> new information in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and threatened species and requested <br /> input from the City Attorney. Mr. Lowell said he reviewed California Environmental Quality Act <br /> (CEQA) guidelines and is in the process of crafting a response to Mr. Kanz's letter. He <br /> explained that CEQA guidelines generally do not allow a certified EIR to be reopened unless <br /> there are specific types of new information; whether or not the information meets those <br /> requirements is still under consideration. He stated that both the court's order and California <br /> Elections Code provide the Council with the alternatives of either rescinding the ordinance or <br /> placing the item on the ballot. <br /> Councilmember Sullivan asked if the Council would have an opportunity to discuss this <br /> information and Mr. Lowell's response. He said the spirit of CEQA is public disclosure of <br /> environmental impacts and a process through which the public can weigh in on those impacts. <br /> Mr. Lowell advised that there may not be a CEQA process for reviewing a project that is already <br /> on the ballot but said the Council could certainly discuss it under Matters Initiated. <br /> Kay Ayala expressed disappointed that the election on Oak Grove is starting out with a <br /> misrepresentation of the facts and asked the Council to remove misleading language from the <br /> ballot argument and allow her to consult with them on more appropriate language. <br /> Councilmember Cook- Kallio said she understands there is a developer agreement in place that <br /> must be negotiated before the City will issue any permits. The City Manager read from <br /> Condition of Approval 79 which states, "The method and manner for the provision of these funds <br /> and /or facilities shall be approved by the City and in place prior to the issuance of building <br /> permits." <br /> Councilmember McGovern said she checked with the school district and was told there is not a <br /> signed contract at this time. <br /> Carolyn Newton read a statement Sierra Club from the Sierra Club endorsing a no vote for the <br /> Oak Grove Development on June 8. <br /> Karla Brown challenged statements made in the ballot augment in favor of the Oak Grove <br /> development. She there has been considerable discussion surrounding Measures PP and QQ <br /> and Judge Roesch's recent decision concerning the housing cap and noted that if Judge <br /> City Council Minutes Page 4 of 12 March 16, 2010 <br />