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staff at the proposed changes. He stated support for the flow chart with exception of the fact that it fails to identify the "can of worms" opened by the noticing process and subsequent public hearings. He noted that he submitted a signed petition opposing the proposed changes to the City Clerk. Brad Hirst said that historic preservation benefits the community, businesses and the downtown. Having said that, increased regulations stifle innovation and improvement, which is not good for the downtown. He recommended that the Council stop the process here and recommend only an update to existing guidelines. He questioned the values of any Council that would support a $100,000 expenditure on yet another consultant when City staff is more than capable of preparing the appropriate survey. He also questioned the efficacy of a historic district that excludes Main Street and commercial properties. He said the people of Pleasanton want to maintain and improve its historic inventory and private property owners, not the government, are better suited to determine what is best for their property. Rob Dondaro said he is under contract to purchase a home in the proposed historic district and is frightened by what some of the task force's recommendations could mean for him. He said he had considerable confidence in the ability of staff, existing regulations and the community to preserve the eclectic character of this area and that he strongly opposed any historic designation. Christine Bourg said she has invested considerable time and money in updating her 100+ year old Victorian on 2n Street. She asked the Council to support option 4 as it would truly protect Pleasanton's historic residential neighborhoods where existing regulations have not. She said that many comment on how much more vibrant Livermore's downtown is and that this is in large part due to their robust historic preservation policies as well as the addition of a City Historian and Heritage Commission. She noted that this task force is not recommending ordinances, historians or additional conditions but is recommending steps to protect the City's pieces of history for future generations. She also noted that recommendations were made in 2001 regarding the formation of historic preservation guidelines and, had these been implemented the City would likely not have lost the many historic homes that have been effectively demolished since then. Becky Duret stated her support for the creation of a formal historic district, which she thought would serve to streamline rather than complicate matters. She said that owning an older home comes with both privileges and responsibilities that are not for everyone. She shared her experiences remodeling her own 2nd Street home and said she, like many others, would have welcomed the assistance of historic guidelines. Debbie Ayres said she would like to see a designated historic district in Pleasanton. David Stark, Bay East Association of Realtors, said he has participated actively in the task force meetings. He said he felt the City's existing documents and policies deserve a comprehensive review in order to address the concerns raised this evening and provide a sense of certainty regardless of what direction that takes. He urged the Council to look at the potential unintended consequences that additional regulations could have on other City policies, specifically those related to the Climate Action Plan, and ensure that any historic guidelines do not preclude homeowners from modernizing their historic homes for the purpose of increased efficiency or comfort. As a homeowner, he has made a number of improvements to his mid century modern home not because of an ordinance, but because of his pride of ownership and own personal taste. He asked that any action of the Council reflect the integrity of the community and the fact that it has dynamic neighborhoods filled with engaged property owners. Sharrell Michelotti agreed with those who spoke against the need for additional regulations and in support of reviewing and clarifying existing documents. She encouraged the Council not to further complicate a process with additional regulations when the actual intent is to streamline it. City Council Minutes Page 9 of 16 June 4, 2013