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Mayor Thorne asked if the petition relates strictly to the CM Capital site. <br /> Mr. Bowen said "no." He explained that the focus is on West Las Positas but the petition also expresses <br /> concern about general growth and whether certain properties in the surplus inventory might be better <br /> suited to another use. He requested a show of hands from those in the audience that supported his <br /> comments. <br /> Karen El!gas, Parkside, asked that the Council institute a moratorium on any development projects that <br /> would strain the already limited water supply until the city has developed a more sustainable long term <br /> plan. She also asked that the surplus of previously rezoned sites be reverted to their original zoning. <br /> John Huk addressed the Council regarding a tree matter on his property. <br /> Kay Ayala said she was particularly impressed with the willingness to inform and engage the <br /> community that has been demonstrated by those circulating the petition. She referred to a recent article <br /> highlighting a 1,400 member community group in Orinda whose mission is to push back against the <br /> Plan Bay Area agenda. She reported that similar sentiments were shared at a recent meeting in <br /> Lafayette. She encouraged PleasantonVotersForSmartGrowth.org to lead the charge, with the <br /> Council's assistance, in fighting back against unfunded mandates and ensuring that the appropriate <br /> infrastructure is in place before any additional housing is approved. She asked and staff confirmed that <br /> the Council is scheduled to review the Housing Element Update at its September 2, 2014 meeting. <br /> Dan Moore noted that every homeowner in the Parkside development, as well as many others <br /> throughout the community, signed the petition discussed by Mr. Bowen. He contended that the <br /> residential development of a commercial property is counterproductive to the goal of providing housing <br /> for those who live and work in Pleasanton. He questioned the actual value of the low-income units, <br /> which would total approximately 6 out of 201 units and do more to burden the existing Parkside district <br /> than to meet the affordable housing need. He also questioned whether the city can afford another <br /> 67,000 gallons of potable water per day, which is the approximate consumption of 201-unit, 500 person <br /> residential project. <br /> Jack Bras said the current drought conditions are well evidenced by the dead lawns and dying trees <br /> throughout the city, and questioned the need for a $200,000 allocation to inform people about the <br /> drought. He said he is frustrated by the continued issuance of permits that will increase the demand on <br /> the limited water supply. He asked what it will take for the Council to recognize the larger issue and <br /> take action to increase the state's water supply. <br /> PUBLIC HEARINGS AND OTHER MATTERS <br /> 17. Update on Stage 3 Water Shortage and Local emergency declaration <br /> Director of Operation Services Smith presented the required monthly update on, and submitted a <br /> request to continue, the local drought emergency. He noted that the State is considering and will likely <br /> pass drought regulations very similar to the city's later this evening. <br /> He provided an update of the city's overall progress, reporting conservation levels of 23.6% year to <br /> date against a goal of 25%. He acknowledged that efforts have increased significantly since the city <br /> instituted the mandatory reduction in May, but again cautioned that the next 60 days are typically the <br /> warmest of the year and will prove particularly challenging. He reported that the city itself has reduced <br /> consumption a total of 56% over the prior year since the restrictions were enacted, which equals a <br /> savings of approximately 1.2 million gallons per day. <br /> City Council Minutes Page 4 of 16 July 15, 2014 <br />