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