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Ayes: Councilmembers Brown, Cook-Kallio, Narum, Mayor Thorne <br /> Noes: None <br /> Absent: Councilmember Narum <br /> MEETING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC <br /> 6. Public Comment <br /> Mike Moran thanked staff for its informative presentation on the current water crisis at the last Council <br /> meeting. He said he was stunned by lack of response from the Council and questioned the wisdom of <br /> the unanimously supported resolution calling for a voluntary 20% reduction in water usage. He said the <br /> resolution is problematic for several reasons: 1) it discourages consumers from conserving now lest <br /> future usage be subject to mandatory reductions and measured against this reduced usage; 2) it fails to <br /> account for the number of persons per household; and 3) if successful, such a sharp decrease in water <br /> revenues would result in a budget deficit. He reminded the Council of the rain barrel program he <br /> recommended at the last meeting, noting that 1 inch of a rain over a 10 foot by 10 foot area produces <br /> 62 gallons of water. He reported that Oakland's own program was estimated to have saved 400,000 <br /> gallons of water over the two years it was in operation. He also reported that Santa Cruz is currently <br /> offering 50 gallon collection drums for $30 and their program is sold out He conceded that it will <br /> certainly not solve the overall problem but said it will make a dent and really jumpstart the public <br /> conversation. <br /> Mr. Fialho reported that the Director of Operation Services is looking into this program as well a number <br /> of other issues. Since the last meeting, Mr. Smith has assembled a committee of large community <br /> stakeholders and larger water consumers to identify and explore any number of programs that might be <br /> effective in Pleasanton. <br /> Councilmember Cook-Kallio encouraged staff to share any information that will help the public better <br /> understand how everyday efforts can contribute to or hinder conservation efforts. <br /> Mr. Fialho said that public information is paramount to achieving these goals and staff is currently <br /> exploring a number of strategies, one of which includes translating water units to gallons on consumers' <br /> monthly bills. Mr. Smith's primary focus at the moment is on converting Val Vista Park to recycled <br /> water, which will save the city 132 million gallons of potable water once it is online. In the context of the <br /> overall goal of reducing consumption by 20%, this represents just over one half of a percent. He also <br /> acknowledged those in the community who have already made considerable efforts towards <br /> conservation and said that should the current plan migrate to a phase two, it is not necessarily <br /> appropriate to penalize those who have already made significant efforts. <br /> Tracey Buscher, on behalf of Pleasanton Military Families, presented Jerry and Sandy Thorne with a <br /> certificate of appreciation for their support of local military families, returning veterans and deployed <br /> military. Mayor and Mrs. Thome were also presented with several plaques and flags commemorating <br /> the sacrifices of American soldiers and those who support them. <br /> Mayor Thorne thanked them for the acknowledging something so dear and true to his heart. <br /> PUBLIC HEARINGS AND OTHER MATTERS <br /> 7. Public Hearing: P13-2028, Anil and Divya Reddy - Consider an Appeal of a Planning <br /> Commission decision regarding a Design Review approval to evaluate the conformance of an <br /> existing single-family residence located at 3737 West Ruby Hill Drive in the Ruby Hill <br /> Development to the Ruby Hill Architectural Design Guidelines—continued to March 4, 2014 <br /> MATTERS INITIATED BY COUNCIL <br /> City Council Minutes Page 2 of 3 February 18,2014 <br />