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withdraw and replenish water from and to the basin with each working independently from the other and at different depths. When the wells began operating in June 2002 the decision was made not to use either well to replenish the basin despite users carrying the higher cost of a dual purpose well. He asked who made that decision, whether it required a vote and how Pleasanton was involved in the decision. He explained that the basin has been depleted to only 4.2% of its stated capacity, which is in direct violation of Zone 7's own policies and is now creating significant subsidence issues. He stated that nearly every home in The Gates is sinking and property owners now have to bear the costs associated with keeping their homes habitable. He asked the city to take a hard look at how this was allowed to occur and what exactly Pleasanton intends to do about it. John Bauer stated that after watching Mr. Martin's staff presentation in the video of the March 17, 2015 meeting, he concluded that while residents need to remain cautious regarding their water use there is no need for alarm. He asked why he is now hearing that the community is again experiencing a water crisis only 4 weeks later. He explained that in response to incurring drought surcharges the previous year, he has since availed himself of the recycled water fill station. While this is a valuable resource for the community it is not an insignificant investment for the average homeowner and it would seem that the city is not doing enough to make residents aware of the resource. He said he would like more information on Shaklee's efforts and what exactly the return on that investment was. He also urged the Council to consider the regional impact of the East Pleasanton Specific Plan in light of the drought. Councilmember Pentin noted that the water fill station reported a 150% increase in users last Friday as compared to previous weeks. Allen Roberts thanked staff for including 2013 usage history on upcoming water bills but suggested it could be beneficial to take it even further and let residents know exactly what their target is when converted to gallons. He also suggested that monthly meter readings would be beneficial although acknowledged the logistical challenges of this. He said that many in his southeastern Pleasanton neighborhood are interested in but located too far away to take advantage of the recycled water refill stations. He recommended that the city consider installing refill stations throughout the city as the purple pipe system is built out. He requested clarification on when the replacement of turf in rear yards qualifies for the rebate program. Mr. Smith confirmed that both front and rear yards are eligible. Jack Bras questioned the wisdom in continuing to approve new development when existing residents are forced to let their lawns die. He said it is time for the leaders of this state to wake up and for the city to institute an emergency moratorium on the issuance of all water permits except on a priority basis. Greg O'Connor said he was not clear on when exactly the mandatory reductions would take effect and expressed concern over this occurring mid billing cycle. He also asked that the Council consider raising the threshold from 30 to 40 units, explaining that several of the modestly sized single family residences he manages had considerable difficulty coming in under 30 units. Mayor Thorne closed public comment Vice Mayor Brown referred to the ordinance adding Chapter 14.06 to the Municipal Code, noting that it states that "recycled water is a beneficial alternative to drinking water." She asked that this be corrected to "potable water" to align with the Municipal Code. Mayor Thorne said he has been working diligently to get state legislators to take some action that acknowledges the drought's impact on the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA), at the very least extending the RHNA period by the length of the drought. He assured the public that he and Councilmember Olson, who will join him in Sacramento shortly, will continue this effort. City Council Minutes Page 7 of 11 April 21,2015