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Tom Daggett, Team Leader of Sentinels' Pleasanton chapter, said the program is a real labor of love by <br /> all those who lend their support and requires a strong commitment by the veteran to successfully <br /> integrate back into civilian life. He shared his complete confidence that Shawn, with the help of his <br /> family and the team, would do a wonderful job. He introduced Shawn and those members of the team <br /> that were present. <br /> 11. Public Comment <br /> Doug Miller reminded the public that East Bay Stand Down, which provides a number of health and <br /> support services to veterans, begins September 11, 2014 at the Alameda County Fairgrounds. He <br /> invited them to visit www.eastbaystanddown.orq to learn more about volunteer opportunities before the <br /> September 3, 2014 deadline. <br /> Councilmember Cook-Kallio noted that many high school students are looking for volunteer <br /> opportunities. <br /> Mr. Miller confirmed that there is an age requirement of 16, although those under 18 must be <br /> accompanied by an adult. <br /> David Browne stated that a rapid decline in the honeybee population, which totals almost 60% since <br /> 1960, has negative implications on the community's ability to support locally grown produce and <br /> sustainable gardening. He asked the Council to consider allowing hobby beekeeping in R-1 residential <br /> zones. He also shared a list of other cities that allow hobby beekeeping, which includes New York, San <br /> Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, Berkeley, Fremont, Livermore and even the White House. <br /> Councilmember Cook-Kallio advised that anyone with an unwanted hive on their property could contact <br /> vector control, who would attempt to relocate rather than kill the hive. <br /> Knut Ojermark said he remains dissatisfied with how the city has chosen to address the water shortage. <br /> He suggested it would be more appropriate for the city to mandate a certain level of reduction but leave <br /> it to the consumer to choose when and where they water, provided they manage to conserve as <br /> required. He also expressed concern that temperature and precipitation patterns vary year to year, <br /> which could result in an increase over the same billing period from the year prior despite an overall <br /> reduction. He suggested that the city also consider allowing consumers to "bank" savings that exceed <br /> the mandatory 25% and to use these savings against overages in other periods. <br /> Fred Volking announced that the Constitutional Champions Foundation will be hosting a local Making of <br /> America seminar for ages 16 and up. The seminar, led by a teacher from the National Center for <br /> Constitutional Studies, will examine the system of self government that America's founders <br /> incorporated into the written constitution and how the principles contained within that can resolve nearly <br /> every problem in modem America. They will also be hosting a Pleasanton Housing Element Citizens' <br /> Town Hall discussion at the Pleasanton Library. <br /> MJ Bouthillier said her family has always practiced a lifestyle of conservation and since 2011 her <br /> average water use has been 34 units per billing period. After hosting houseguests for 4 of the last 8 <br /> weeks, her conservation efforts fell just short of the mandated 25% and she was hit with a $600 fine — <br /> despite having achieved reductions of 73% and 40% in the two prior billing cycles. She said she <br /> contacted the Operation Services Director on August 8th, but has received no reply, and was unable to <br /> find a resolution speaking with other members of staff. <br /> Mayor Thome assured her he would ask Mr. Smith to contact her as soon as possible. <br /> Arthur Boone, Zero Waste Advocacy Committee, said he recently contacted the Mayor and City <br /> Manager to outline an initiative that was recently endorsed by the committee. Known as the Sustainable <br /> City Council Minutes Page 3 of 17 September 2, 2014 <br />