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Mr. Smith estimated that 80% to 90% of users throughout the city now comprehend the severity of the <br /> situation, though noted that continued efforts are still required to reach those who do not. He shared <br /> several examples of marked success, including one business that reduced consumption by 44% and <br /> one residence that managed to accomplish a reduction of 80% over the prior year. <br /> Councilmember Cook-Kallio reported that her own home.has reduced its usage 76% over last year and <br /> that it has not been particularly difficult. <br /> Mayor Thorne said he has received considerable feedback and questions regarding the need for <br /> continued outreach, especially in light of the city's current success. <br /> Mr. Smith acknowledged the concern and explained that staff has already cut back on advertizing <br /> expenditures. He assured the Council and public that staff has been very judicious in the use of these <br /> funds and noted that less than half of the allotted budget has been spent to date. While there are still <br /> some print ads due to be released, the plan is to hold off on any further efforts. He noted that if the <br /> drought continues into next year, staff may return to the Council as part of the regular drought update to <br /> discuss additional expenditures within the $200,000 allotment. <br /> Councilmember Brown asked staff to comment on the public concern over the approval of housing <br /> projects during this period of limited resources. <br /> Mr. Fialho explained that most of the activity the community is witnessing relates to either vested <br /> projects whose construction permits are only now being pulled or those projects that came about as the <br /> result of the recent rezoning and again have vested entitlements. He said staff is working closely with <br /> Zone 7 to identify the point at which the drought evolves from a short-term impact to one with longer <br /> term consequences on the ability to grant permits. The issue of orchestrating a united response to a <br /> long-term drought throughout the valley will be a primary topic of discussion at the upcoming liaison <br /> meeting with Zone 7, the City of Livermore and DSRSD. <br /> Councilmember Brown noted that the liaison meeting is open to the public. <br /> Mayor Thorne invited public comment. <br /> Knut Ojermark stated that it is unfair to compare year to year water usage as weather patterns and <br /> water needs vary. He also noted that meter readings do not necessarily occur at the same intervals as <br /> the prior year, which can sometimes mean up to a nine day difference in billing periods. He suggested <br /> that the city amend its current practices to look at a more evenly distributed pattern of usage rather than <br /> a direct comparison of billing cycles. He also recommended that all new development and those areas <br /> where it is economically feasible be outfitted with recycled water infrastructure for irrigation purposes. <br /> He noted that only four controllers have the ability to program irrigation cycles on two odd-numbered <br /> days per weeks, which creates a situation where the average person cannot follow the city's mandates. <br /> He said it is unfair that a larger property like his will incur a $2,000 penalty for exceeding the allotted <br /> usage by just one unit when a smaller property would be fined only $100, particularly considering what <br /> he pays in annual property taxes. He shared a spreadsheet that he uses to calculate and manage daily <br /> water usage at his home. <br /> Mayor Thorne closed public comment. <br /> 18. Consider approval of the schematic park plan for Main Street Green Park and request from the <br /> Rotary Clubs of Pleasanton to rename the park Rotary Park <br /> Community Services Director Andrade-Wax introduced the item. She stated that in 2013 the three <br /> Rotary Clubs of Pleasanton — Pleasanton, Pleasanton North, and Tri-Valley Evening Rotary — <br /> approached the city regarding the idea and donation of a clock tower to commemorate the <br /> City Council Minutes Page 5 of 16 July 15,2014 <br />