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resume the planning process through its annual priority setting process, as it has done with countless other planning efforts in the past. Sandy Yamaoda noted that since the last Council meeting, the Task Force has not met nor has a meeting been scheduled. She asked how the Council could attempt to craft a clear ballot measure without the benefit of the Task Force's final recommendation. She stated that all but the "no build" options considered in the Draft EIR lack economic feasibility. She asked that the Council halt the planning process in the interest of saving time and money and instead focus on improving the existing constraints and issues raised by the public. She suggested that one option to address the issue without spending taxpayer funds would be to place a measure, clearly stating the number of homes and amount of industrial space, on the November 2016 ballot. Kelly Cousins concurred with Ms. Yamaoda that the best option is to pursue something that will benefit Pleasanton both now and in the future rather than simply focusing on the drought or RHNA and kicking an inherently faulty plan down the road. She said the Draft EIR failed to properly address the impacts. She thanked the many residents who have shown their support for a democratic process and asked that the Council give them the level of consideration that their input warrants. Mike Pirozzoli urged the Council to vote to halt the planning process now in deference to all the legitimate issues raised over the last several meetings. In doing so, the community would have an opportunity to evaluate the impacts of the city's already approved projects that are on the horizon. Julie Testa said that staff has been clear that it would be cost prohibitive to place this matter on the ballot, just as the community has been clear that the type of development being contemplated for the east side would be irresponsible on any number of levels. She said that the water issue is much broader than the current drought and has the potential to impact this community's long -term quality of life. She asked that the Council vote to halt the process and instead seriously apply itself to the issue of overcrowding in schools. Regardless of what development occurs on the east side, enrollment at the city's existing schools all exceeds General Plan recommendations. While the Draft EIR addressed schools, its conclusions were dishonest and the Council's continued position that the planning responsibility lies with the school district is both disingenuous and unfair to the community. She urged the Council to look for mitigations that don't necessarily include the school district. John Bauer asked that the Council be clear in stating what metrics would be used to determine that the drought has come to end and the planning process should resume. He referred to his written comments to the Council, which he said covered a number of very valid reasons to halt the project. He said it is very easy for the public to oppose development when there is no cost to them. He suggested that voters be asked to put their money where their mouths are and approve some sort of tax measure with which the city can purchase this land from the developers, thereby ensuring it is never developed. Councilmember Narum asked if a certified EIR would be required to place a definitive question such as a tax issue on the ballot. Ms. Seto explained that it there would have to be some study into the uses of interest, whether they be no develop or parks and recreational facilities. Typically, however, funding decisions are subject to the environmental review. George Bowen applauded the Council for its decision at the last meeting. He estimated that the vast majority of voters are opposed to any more major development in Pleasanton. With the 1,800 units already approved, not to mention the 8,800 units recently approved in Dublin, traffic and school will remain critical issues even once the drought ends. He asked that the Council either consider keeping with its plan for a ballot measure or to place restrictions on resuming the process that are much broader than just water. City Council Minutes Page 5 of 18 June 2, 2015