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the less fortunate are addressed and said that housing is one area in which Pleasanton could stand to improve. Regarding Mr. Brown's comments on alternative growth management strategies, Ms. Dennis said cities are routinely asked to address infrastructure shortages as part of their Housing Element. She urged the Council to tackle the issue head on and use this opportunity to rebalance jobs and housing in a way that will alleviate the long -term RHNA issue. Karen DeBaca Martens said she was overwhelmed by the amount of information presented this evening and thanked staff for a thorough report. She asked that the Council uphold the staff recommendation, which is to hold an additional public hearing in order to allow the public to digest the significant amount of information and develop pertinent comments. She noted that to date, litigation on this matter has cost the City $750,000; further litigation would increase those costs and it does not appear to offer a successful outcome. She urged the Council to amend, not repeal, the housing cap in order to get the City up and running again swiftly and to negotiate a situation that does not require an immediate discussion of what housing should be in Pleasanton. Mark Triska, Colliers International, said he has worked as a commercial real estate broker for 21 years with an emphasis on attracting new businesses to Pleasanton and retaining businesses within the Tri- Valley area. He said this ruling is particularly troublesome to this community and in this economy. The primary issue is that companies coming into or relocating within Pleasanton require certain tenant improvements, which of course cannot be done until the ban on non- residential building permits is lifted. He cited several specific companies with active concerns and said the inability to guarantee those improvements is a risk that businesses do not like and cannot afford. He cautioned the Council that this much needed business may look to nearby cities that do not have this issue and strongly advised against further litigation. He asked the Council to comply and /or negotiate a settlement and to express their intent as quickly as possible. Mayor Hosterman said there are many things that the Council is not at liberty to discuss at this time, but she would like to quell any fears within the business community by assuring them that the Council will continue to move forward with a resolution. She asked that anyone with permit or project application concerns speak directly with her or City staff. She acknowledged the severity of the situation but stressed that, as a community, they could get through this. Brad Hirst commended the Council on the success of the newly implemented recycling program, which he was initially skeptical of. He is also a member of the Bloom Platoon and will be performing in Monterey as well as the Cherry Blossom Festival on April 24 in Washington, DC. He encouraged the Council to reach a negotiated solution at the earliest possible time. The business community is uncertain and fearful and the City stands to lose much needed revenue and jobs. He cited personal experiences with current commercial vacancies, said people want to locate in Pleasanton but do not know what the future holds, and again asked the Council to resolve the matter expediently. John Dalrymple, representing Electrical and Sheet Metal Workers Union members, said he is in agreement with the business leaders who have already spoken. The enjoyment of Pleasanton is dependent upon a vital local economy. He encouraged the Council to seek a negotiated settlement and to include the voice of housing advocates in that effort. He asked that the task force be given a strong message to complete its work expediently, thanked the Council for its City Council Minutes Page 14 of 22 April 6, 2010