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cycle rather than a shortened period. The letter describes that this is not a slow-growth or pro-growth proposal, nor is it anti-affordable housing. It is simply good governance and ensures that Pleasanton's constituents have sufficient water during a time of unprecedented drought conditions. Staff is recommending that the Mayor and entire Council sign on to the letter as a demonstration of support. Mayor Thorne asked that the letter also be addressed to the Chairman of the Board of the Association of Bay Area Governments, who lacks the authority to extend the RHNA cycle but may be supportive of the request. Councilmember Brown asked if she was correct in understanding that if granted, the request would not affect the overall RHNA obligation (which is already met) but would extend the period over which it is administered and allow the city to implement its Growth Management Ordinance which limits growth to 235 units per year. Mr. Fialho confirmed that the city would still have to demonstrate an ability to accommodate RHNA within the original 8-year planning cycle. However, without a declaration of moratorium by Zone 7, the city's ability to moderate growth during conditions such as this is limited to a temporary suspension of growth management allocations for one year. While that achieves the short-term objective, it really only divides the total allocation over a fewer number of years. Councilmember Brown noted that the letter refers only to state and not to regional water shortages. She recommended that the third paragraph include language reflecting the "region's" ability to provide sufficient water. She asked how, if granted, this would affect the more than 1,800 housing units approved prior to the current RHNA cycle. Mr. Fialho explained that this would apply only to those units approved after July 1, 2014. He confirmed for Councilmember Brown that because the nature of the Development Agreements for units approved prior to July 1, 2014, the city has no ability to influence their right to pull permits. Mayor Thorne opened the item for public comment. Matt Morrison said the current drought has laid bare the fact that the region lacks a sustainable water supply and this letter does nothing to protect against future droughts. He suggested that the Council also request a process under which the city could obtain a RHNA waiver if it were to demonstrate the lack of a sustainable water supply. He recommended that the city use the remainder of this RHNA cycle to work with Zone 7 to develop a viable plan for sustainability and that each new development project which comes forward include an analysis on how it impacts the larger RHNA obligation. Mayor Thome closed public comment. Councilmember Cook-Kallio shared her support for the letter and said she hoped other cities would submit something asking for a similar type of relief. Mayor Thome said he would speak with his fellow Mayors and strongly encourage them to follow suit. Vice-Mayor Pentin shared his support for both the letter and the amendment requested by Councilmember Brown. Councilmember Narum noted that most of the legislators identified are terming out and suggested waiting until their replacements are seated. City Council Minutes Page 7 of 8 October 7,2014