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road and does nothing to resolve either current or future infrastructure issues. He asked the Council to honor the commitment and sacrifice everyone has made in getting to this point and to allow them to see the process through to the end. Sharrell Michelotti, former Planning Commissioner and member of the City Council, agreed with those who have written and voiced their support for continuing the process. She said that the community, including those who have invested considerable time, money and energy, deserve the benefits that will come from a long term planning guide for the east side. BREAK Mayor Thorne called a brief recess at 8:42 p.m. and reconvened the regular meeting at 8:48 p.m. Councilmember Brown said she received over thirty letters from citizens who feel passionate on this issue and reported the vast majority asked why the city would continue to consider development on the east side when it isn't needed. She said the citizen driven ballot measure that ultimately created the hosing cap was well thought out and well vetted by the community. She said the community again supported this cap in 2008 and while it was ultimately overturned, the spirit of what the citizenry wants is clear. She supported Ms. Ayala's recommendation to place the matter on the ballot if the Council has any doubts. She also supported waiting to see how the true impacts of the city's approved but not yet constructed high density developments are absorbed by the community before proceeding any further with the planning process. She said the General Plan refers repeatedly to "smart growth" and focusing development near transit, not placing high density housing in a remote area like the east side. She reiterated that the General Plan extends through 2025 and, as such, there is no need to rush to meet its mandates. She said the Council has an extensive list of priorities, of which this only one, and again encouraged refocusing the city's resources on those that are of more immediate benefit. She stated that in meetings with the task force, Pleasanton Unified School District, Zone 7 and East Bay Regional Parks, RHNA was a common theme and motivating factor in looking at development in the east side. Now that the obligation is met, the city has an opportunity to step back and see what other benefits can be gained there. She suggested that the city work with the parks district and perhaps the city of Livermore explore trails and other outdoor recreation options. She noted that the current plan options locate development outside of the urban growth boundary, which requires voter approval. She concurred with Parkside residents that the city should consider rezoning the remaining portion of the CM Capital site. She referred to a letter received from school board trustee Valerie Arkin which asked the Council to halt any further work on the Specific Plan, citing impacts to the community and its students as a primary concern. She asked the Council to consider whether 2,200 homes on the east side, a $90 million highway called El Charro, or a $23 million school that is needed only as the result of the construction of those new homes really represents planned progress. She said she did not support continuing forward would the project and would like to see all efforts halted at least until the next planning cycle. Councilmember Narum acknowledged that following the Housing Element update and moving into the task force planning process there was a clear sense of urgency to develop a plan that would accommodate some of the housing need anticipated for this planning cycle. While the urgency or direct need is no longer there, completing the EIR with its various options will allow the city to better understand the potential impacts of any development on the east side. She said she felt it was important to develop an overall vision for the east side, as called for in the General Plan, though she did support taking a step back and better educating the community on the city's needs and goals. As part of that, she would like to see some reevaluation of the plan alternatives to include options with less or even no high density housing. She said she would also like to see the task force better evaluate growth. management and phasing and the plan areas recreational components. She noted that passage Alameda County's Measure B1 could result in funds to help with El Charro Road and said she would City Council Minutes Page 10 of 12 March 4,2014