01 - Laserfiche WebLink

He provided a brief update on local compliance, stating that 96.4% of single-family residence and 92% of commercial accounts are in compliance with the mandatory 25% reduction for an overall compliance rate of 96%. Conservation rates total 32% for the month of December to date and almost 28% (1.6 billion gallons) year to date. Staff believes this trend will hold through strongly enough through the end of the month to allow the city to achieve its 25% target for the year. He explained that is recommending no changes at this time, though does expect to have sufficient information in January regarding if and when this target can be reduced and what, if any, changes can be made to the fine structure. Mr. Smith stated that the liaison committee will continue to explore both short and long-term options for increasing the sustainability of the local water supply. Councilmember Olson cited a recent new article indicating that ground conditions were so dry that the season's initial rainfall had done little to nothing to recharge the groundwater basin, and asked if the more recent storms had been enough to tip the scales in the other direction. Mr. Smith confirmed that the November rainfall had no effect on groundwater recharge but also that there was sufficient runoff from the December storms to allow for recharge to start. However, it is important to keep in mind that it takes awhile for groundwater levels to reach the depth where it can actually be pumped and used to offset the current need. Councilmember Brown asked to what degree Lake Oroville is filled by rain versus snow melt. Mr. Smith explained that Lake Oroville typically receives the majority of its water from the snowpack, although during warmer conditions where it both rains and snows rainwater is a significant contributor as well. Councilmember Brown asked Mr. Smith to comment on recent development projects that have included bioswales and how that helps with groundwater recharge. Mr. Smith explained that there have been a number of both state and local efforts to increase the supply of the aquifer. He noted a number of larger detention basins throughout town which help to prevent flooding downstream and also allow the water to be used for groundwater recharge. He explained that bioswales, like in the Ponderosa Homes neighborhood, are simply a smaller version of that. He also noted that same development has porous pavement, which allows water to travel through the pavement to recharge the groundwater basin. Mayor Thorne noted there were no speakers. MOTION: It was m/s by Pentin/Olson to accept the Update on the Stage 3 Water Shortage and Local Emergency Declaration. Motion passed by the following vote: AYES: Councilmembers Brown, Narum, Olson, Pentin, Mayor Thorne NOES: None ABSENT: None 9. Review of Preliminary Draft East Pleasanton Specific Plan (EPSP), confirmation of alternatives for inclusion in the Environmental Impact Report (EIR), and approval of Third Amendment to a Professional Services Agreement with Rasmussen Planning, Inc., and Gates + Associated for $116,624 for services related to the preparation of the EPSP and EIR Councilmember Olson disclosed that he owns property adjacent to the Plan area, recused himself from the item, stated that he had submitted a speaker card and would speak during the public comment period, and exited the Council Chambers. City Council Minutes Page 3 of 18 Dec 16, 2014