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Mayor Thome stated that some new information has come to light since the last meeting which has <br />likely changed the opinions of some regarding moving forward with a ballot measure. Specifically, as <br />special elections item the measure would cost approximately $500,000 to place on the ballot. He <br />requested a show of hands from those in the audience who would agree that such an expense cannot <br />be justified at this time. He said the message has been clear from both the Council and public that there <br />is support to pause or halt the EIR and planning process. He suggested that the Council direct staff to <br />return with a resolution halting both processes until there is verification from both the state and Zone 7 <br />that the drought is over, at which point the Council can reengage the community on whether or not to <br />resume the process. He acknowledged that the drought was not the only concem expressed but <br />reminded the public that the time for discussion on issues such as traffic and schools is through the EIR <br />process. He suggested that during this pause, should the Council decide to move in that direction, the <br />landowners and developers think about further outside of the box to identify development opportunities <br />that have a less significant impact on resources. He thought this could include age - restricted housing <br />communities which generally have no impact on schools, less of an impact on peak traffic conditions, <br />increase local spending and would still set something aside for future housing needs allocations. <br />Vice Mayor Brown noted that this was presented at the last meeting as Option 3. She asked if tonight's <br />agenda item is broad enough to allow the Council to select that option now. <br />Ms. Seto explained that tonight's agenda item relates to the consideration of a resolution calling for an <br />election. She advised that in order to ensure the appropriate public notice and participation, staff would <br />need to agendize and notice consideration of the types of resolutions considered at the last meeting. <br />City Manager Fialho asked that, should the Council wish to move in that direction, they provide some <br />guidance as to what exactly the resolution should state. <br />Vice Mayor Brown asked if continuing the discussion to the June 16, 2015 meeting would preclude the <br />Council from ultimately electing to place this on the November ballot. <br />Ms. Seto explained that the timing would be close, although doable, provided the Council direction was <br />to agendize consideration of the various resolution options and potentially the calling of an election. <br />Mayor Thorne opened the item for public comment <br />Arne Olson asked that the Council not waste its time with considering tonight's recommended actions. <br />Apart from the obvious cost of a special election, he felt it was the Council's responsibility to determine <br />whether or not to proceed with or halt the planning process just as it was when the process was begun. <br />He supporting Councilmember Pentin's opposing vote at the last meeting and reminded the Council <br />that 3 of its members supported the planning process during the last election. He said that this has <br />become a divisive issue for the community due to the drought as well as the uncertainty of the next <br />Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) cycle. He felt the process should stop until this <br />uncertainty is reduced. At that time, the Council can use the work of the Task Force and Draft EIR to <br />help select the best plan for the east side. If a plan is selected, then voters should be given a chance to <br />weigh in. <br />Scott Raty, Chamber of Commerce recommended that the Council rescind its prior action calling for an <br />election. He also recommended that the community look at long -term water availability rather than the <br />immediate crisis of the drought. Recent efforts by the city to secure a more sustainable water supply <br />will help to provide certainty to the uncertain question of water availability. He noted that certain factors <br />affecting the other issues identified, such as new Measure BB monies that might be used for the El <br />Charro extension, will become much clearer over the next 12 to 18 months and provide the community <br />with the information it needs to make a more informed decision. He said that the Chamber supports <br />halting the process at this time and revisiting it only when a greater clarity is reached on all those <br />uncertainties that have been identified. He also urged the Council to consider the appropriate time to <br />City Council Minutes Page 4 of 18 June 2, 2015 <br />