Laserfiche WebLink
• <br /> Ms. Ott said the city is extraordinarily successful at creating the right environment for business. While it <br /> cannot always dictate what one should or should not do with their property, is can create an <br /> environment that pushes the needle regardless of the wishes of several individual property owners. <br /> Vice-Mayor Cook-Kallio said people generally fail to realize how educated this region is but nationwide, <br /> only 25% of the adult population has a college degree. <br /> Councilmember Brown noted that the presentation did not follow the pattern of the staff packet, which <br /> made it difficult to follow along. <br /> Ms. Srivastava clarified that only 5% of residents lack a high school diploma. <br /> Councilmember Narum thought it worth noting under disadvantages that the city has already approve 2 <br /> mixed-use developments near transit. While this is clearly only a start, it does demonstrate some vision <br /> or understanding of what speaks to the next generation. She said the city has done a considerable <br /> amount of work to streamline the permitting and approval process, which she believed to be relatively <br /> quick, and said it would interesting to narrow the current perception down further. <br /> Mayor Thorne said he and Mr. Fialho have been working on performance metrics which, when <br /> complete, should provide some interesting revelations on what is really happening relative to permits. <br /> He said one of the most compelling findings of the report was that Hacienda has access to some <br /> incredible infrastructure but it is essentially too expensive to use it. He acknowledged that identifying a <br /> solution is in the works but said it really should be a top priority. With regards to the Vice-Mayor's <br /> comments about flexible work space, he suggested that iGate was making some progress in this arena <br /> but that the city needs to be proactive in ensuring some of this space is in Pleasanton rather than <br /> Livermore. He said he was very surprised to learn that Pleasanton has a higher rate of rental housing <br /> than the rest of the Tri-Valley, that only 11% of Pleasanton workers live here and that the city receives <br /> so much venture capital. Revisiting his concern over businesses leaving Pleasanton once they reach a <br /> certain size, he said it is something they ought to be concerned with. He expressed concern that <br /> business leakage was noted in areas that he would not have expected. He also cautioned that business <br /> and economic growth invariably leads to larger regional housing allocations. Pleasanton is a community <br /> that is very slow growth in its attitude, therefore it is imperative that the city reach out to and share with <br /> the public the importance of creating jobs and a dynamic business environment that supports the <br /> amenities they all enjoy. He strongly encouraged the committee to think progressively in terms of <br /> strategy and even how underused commercial sites might be used to help balance the current jobs <br /> housing ratio. <br /> Councilmember Narum agreed with the Vice-Mayor's comments regarding the new workforce <br /> environment said a trend assessment would be useful in ensuring they don't put their resources into <br /> areas that may not be a long term trend. <br /> 16. Consider the appointment of a representative to the Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District <br /> Mr. Fialho stated that Pleasanton's citizen representative to the Alameda County Mosquito Abatement <br /> District has served successfully for many years but recently termed out. Historically, the Mayor and <br /> Council have appointed a citizen representative but the city, like many others, may alternatively choose <br /> one of its elected officials to represent the city. If the Council opts for the latter, it may make the <br /> appointment tonight. The board meets monthly and participants receive a $100 monthly stipend. <br /> Mayor Thorne inquired about the practices of other cities. <br /> City Council Minutes Page 11 of 12 September 3, 2013 <br />