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Staff reached out to the Economic Vitality Committee and Committee on Energy and the Environment for input and, with the help of the Economic Development Director, developed a focus group comprised of representatives from Hacienda Business Park, the Chamber of Commerce, Pleasanton Downtown Association, Kaiser Permanente, Alameda County fairgrounds and the at large community. The focus group was unanimous in its support to move forward with the ban and helped to craft the outreach efforts. Staff issued 232 letters to those businesses and individuals within the community that might be affected by the ordinance. The letter included a handout that provided details and a Q&A on what items would be banned, potential alternatives and a link to the ordinance. Staff received only 3 responses, each noting that the business was already in compliance and supporting the effort. Mr. Smith said that if approved, the ordinance would take effect July 1, 2013. As written, the ordinance allows vendors a 6 month grace period during which they may utilize existing supplies and enforcement would begin January 1, 2014. He thanked those businesses that are already in compliance and said the City would list each compliant entity on the Green Scene website. Councilmember Brown asked and confirmed that the City has jurisdiction over the fairgrounds. Mr. Smith explained that while it is county property, the fairgrounds are located within Pleasanton and therefore the ordinance can be enforced. He noted that their representatives were very supportive of the proposal. Vice-Mayor Cook-Kallio noted that the school district was not included in the focus group and asked if they are already compliant. Mr. Smith said the district declined to participate for unknown reasons but did indicate that they had no objections. He could not confirm their level of compliance other than to note that they do still use some polystyrene but he believed it was being phased out. Mayor Thorne asked whether there is a cost deterrent to using polystyrene alternatives. Mr. Smith said that as the use increases, the price of compostable and recyclable materials has decreased considerably and in some instances can be more cost effective than polystyrene. Councilmember Brown asked if staff reached out to Castlewood, which under the purview of Pleasanton. Mr. Smith explained that Castlewood is outside the city limits of Pleasanton and therefore not subject to the City's municipal ordinances, although he would be happy to reach out to them. He also noted that Castlewood's storm drains are not part of the City's own storm drain system. Vice-Mayor Cook-Kallio asked if there is any movement at the county level to adopt something similar. Mr. Smith could not confirm but did say the county has been proactive in all other areas concerning clean air concepts and he would be surprised if they did not in the near future. Vice-Mayor Cook-Kallio asked and Mr. Smith confirmed that the ban does not apply to plastic flatware, for which there is a recyclable alternative. Mayor Thorne opened the public hearing and, seeing no speakers, closed the public hearing. MOTION: It was m/s by Cook-Kallio/Pentin to introduce and waive first reading of Ordinance No. 2064 requiring the use of recyclable or compostable material and prohibiting the use of expanded Polystyrene products by food vendors for the transport of prepared food. Motion passed by the following vote: City Council Minutes Page 8 of 11 April 2, 2013