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14. Approve the formation of ad hoc task force to review the Downtown Specific Plan and Design Guidelines as they relate to Historic Preservation and the Development Review Process Director of Community Development Brian Dolan presented the staff report, stating the item is an implementation of one of the Council's adopted objectives, forwarded as a recommendation from the Planning Commission. Many members of the community have suggested that current policies and programs relative to historic preservation may not best reflect the community's current values. Staff has also identified the need to reconcile conflicting messages within the policies and programs, add key definitions, clarify the development process related to historic structures, and incorporate California Environmental Quality Act requirements. The task force is expected to meet once monthly over a roughly six-month period, with the intent of making the minor amendments noted as opposed to a comprehensive overhaul of policies. The Commission recommends a seven-member task force comprised of two Planning Commissioners and one at-large appointment by each member of the Council. Members of the Pleasanton Historic Association, Pleasanton Downtown Association, and Pleasanton Improvement Association as well as several downtown residents have expressed an interest in participating. Councilmember McGovern asked what measures would ensure a balanced committee, as opposed to one weighted heavily in favor of those who would profit from lenient development opportunities. Mr. Fialho stated that staff is working to establish a transparent framework through the solicitation of interest from the community. The Planning Commission initially recommended the item as an objective for Council priorities, which the Council then amended through its priorities workshop to reflect the intention of pursuing guidelines rather than a prescriptive ordinance. He felt that all stakeholder groups were supportive of a very honest public process but noted that ultimately, individual Council members select the five at-large appointments. Mayor Hosterman opened the item to public comment. Christine Bourg, Pleasanton Heritage Association (PHA), said the PHA is very pleased to see the formation of this task force. She thanked the Commission, Council, staff and residents for bringing the matter forward to help preserve Pleasanton's unique historic downtown neighborhoods. She shared Councilmember McGovern's concerns regarding balance and said that those who do not have any economic interest in the matter should receive equal representation. Mayor Hosterman closed public comment. Councilmember McGovern said she would like the task force to look at applying these guidelines to all historic pockets of the community and not just those in the downtown. She felt strongly that in examining the principles, the task force should consider that not all historic locations fit the same set of criteria. Mr. Dolan said that was not the original direction of the Council but that it could certainly be expanded. Councilmember McGovern asked and Mr. Dolan confirmed that the task force would also examine some sort of a heritage preservation ordinance. Mr. Fialho clarified that this is a process to establish guidelines, as consistent with Council priorities, but not an ordinance. Mayor Hosterman said she envisioned the task force would examine historic preservation with a focus on the downtown area. There is no reason why the Council, at the culmination of that effort, cannot apply those recommendations and broader guidelines throughout the City. City Council Minutes Page 5 of 6 October 18, 2011