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able to streamline and shorten the permit approval process has long been a goal of this Council and it <br /> is nice to see something that might actually start to accomplish that. <br /> Mayor Thorne noted there were not speakers to address this item. <br /> Vice-Mayor Pentin shared his support and asked whether the Economic Vitality Committee has had an <br /> opportunity to comment. <br /> Ms. Ott said "no,"that staff wished to obtain Council approval on the concept first. <br /> Councilmember Brown asked whether this has the potential to evolve into a situation where commercial <br /> property owners, city-wide, offload some of their own marketing responsibilities to city staff. She said <br /> while she fully supported more successful businesses, she wanted to be sure the city was judicious <br /> with how it expends staff resources. <br /> Ms. Ott said that is not the intention to blanket the city with economic development.tones..The program <br /> is intended to apply only to selected sites where the city has decided that additional thought and <br /> focuses effort would be of real benefit to the larger community. <br /> Councilmember Narum asked whether an affirmative action from the Council would place this program <br /> on the Council Work Plan, noting that this ties in with other priorities like the Economic Strategic Plan <br /> and zoning updates as well as the general discussion regarding streamlining the permit process. She <br /> shared her support for the program and what it will accomplish up front and moved to approve the staff <br /> recommendation. <br /> Mayor Thorne also shared his support, noting this makes the city more business friendly while also <br /> maintaining a high level of local control and streamlining the permit process. <br /> MOTION: It was m/s by Narum/Pentin to approve the establishment of an Economic Development <br /> Zone Program and initiate a Pilot.Economic Development Zone. Motion carried by the following vote: <br /> Ayes: Councilmembers Brown, Cook-Kallio, Narum, Pentin, Mayor Thorne <br /> Noes: None <br /> Absent: None <br /> MATTERS INITIATED BY COUNCIL <br /> Mayor Thome reported receiving a letter confirming the award of federal block grants to the city, which <br /> came as a bit of surprise in light of Congress' more recent.actions. <br /> Councilmember Narum requested and received Council support (Thorne and Brown) to place an <br /> informational item regarding Measure AA on a future agenda. She cited specific interest in information <br /> regarding the potential benefits to the community, if it were to pass. She also clarified that her request <br /> was informational only in nature and that she was not looking to take a formal position on the matter <br /> Mr. Fialho reported contacting Supervisor Nate Miley's office after speaking with Councilmember <br /> Narum. He advised that several individuals at the county level are very familiar with the issue and <br /> potential benefits and are happy to make a presentation, which staff would schedule for some time in <br /> May. <br /> COUNCIL REPORTS <br /> Councilmember Cook-Kallio reported that she and Councilmember Narum participated in the <br /> Pleasanton Partners in Education run on Sunday and that the event was a huge success.. <br /> City Council Minutes Page 14 of 15 April 15,2014 <br />