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James Paxson urged the Council to vote in support of the two projects. He thanked BRE for <br /> accommodating some very challenging requirements while still putting forth a very attractive and viable <br /> project. <br /> Scott Raty, Chamber of Commerce, echoed previous speakers' supportive comments. BRE's project <br /> will provide good jobs and important workforce housing, which is important for the future of Pleasanton <br /> and the attainment of its Climate Action Plan goals. The Chamber specifically supports the project <br /> because it is consistent with the City's housing objectives, will help fulfill the City's obligation to maintain <br /> a certified Housing Element, and help to provide a variety of housing stock that is commensurate with <br /> the region's diverse needs. BRE has worked diligently with City staff to provide the amenities that this <br /> Council and community want to see, while still managing to bring forward a feasible project. <br /> Obray Van Buren, United Association of Plumbers, Fitters, Welders and HVAC Local 342, encouraged <br /> those who intend to take advantage of Ms. Goehring's offer also visit Local 342's apprenticeship site. <br /> He said his organization has historically worked well with its contractors and adjusted wage rates to <br /> ensure they remain competitive in the marketplace. <br /> Mayor Hosterman closed the public hearing. <br /> Councilmember Sullivan said this process represents the model for community participation and the <br /> task force is likely the best he has ever seen. While not always happy during the process or even with <br /> the result, the improvements made in the last few weeks are very good and this is an excellent starting <br /> point for future mixed-use projects. He stressed the need to clarify and secure the City's growth <br /> management policies before any other projects come forward for consideration. He said he would like <br /> to review the agreement with PUSD. <br /> With regards to the concerns expressed by various labor groups, he conceded it is likely that those who <br /> build this project will not be able to live in it. In considering the issue of workforce housing, the Council <br /> should have an affordable housing that looks at both housing and the workforce. With Council <br /> agreement, he would be willing to support a project labor agreement for this development. <br /> Councilmember Cook-Kallio shared her disappointment that BRE and the unions could not reach an <br /> agreement. In a bad economy such as this, the market drives wages so low that people must rely on <br /> public services and taxpayers to subsidize the needs of their family. She was pleased to hear mention <br /> of union and non-union partnerships and said these groups should be coming together to find a way for <br /> everyone to survive. She agreed that the task force process was a truly excellent exercise in <br /> community involvement. Staff, the Council, City Commissions, and the applicant really responded to the <br /> needs and issues, which was made that much more difficult because of recent litigation. She moved to <br /> approve the project, including additional and amended conditions put forward by staff and the Council. <br /> Councilmember Thorne said he was impressed with the applicant's response to the input of the public <br /> and Council and believes the final result is a really good project. It has always been his objective to <br /> ensure that all workers in Pleasanton have an equal opportunity to work here and this means an open <br /> bidding process. <br /> Councilmember McGovern said she believed it to be a good project, even more so with recent changes <br /> and the additional conditions of approval. She was very pleased with the use of universal design and <br /> thanked the applicant for working so closely with accessibility proponents. She also thanked the <br /> applicant for the admirable accomplishment of creating a project with 76 affordable units. She thanked <br /> everyone who participated in the process and the applicant for helping to achieve such a quality project. <br /> Mayor Hosterman echoed the Council's thanks. This is Pleasanton's first transient-oriented <br /> development and something to be extremely proud of. While she too supports doing everything <br /> possible to support people in finding employment, she never believed this was the appropriate project <br /> City Council Minutes Page 8 of 13 April 17, 2012 <br />