CCMIN051915 - Laserfiche WebLink

for the plan area included recycled water. She advised that the language in Policy 1.5 is open to different levels of interpretation and may or may not be viewed as prohibitive. Specifically, Section 1.5 states that cost effective water reclamation and recycling techniques should be used for the purpose of water conservation, rather than as a new source of water which must be used to sustain new and existing development where these techniques can be implemented without degrading surface water and ground water quality. However, the General Plan also contains language acknowledging that Zone 7 discusses its ability to supply water for Pleasanton through build out including the plan area. Councilmember Pentin asked if, when the plan ultimately comes forward, the Planning Commission or City Council could condition any project coming forward to provide for its own or increase the water supply if there is such a conflict. Ms. Seto said there is that potential but that the Draft EIR does also examine potential sources of water. Councilmember Pentin asked and Ms. Seto confirmed that Zone 7's long term forecast did include providing water for up to 1.6 million square feet of industrial use, at minimum. Scott Raty, Chamber of Commerce, confirmed the Council's receipt of his letter and attachments. He reminded the Council and public that Pleasanton was recently voted the 4'" best city to live, work and raise a family in America. He said this did not occur by accident, but rather by a design that honors the rich tradition and long history of planning in Pleasanton. He urged the Council to stay the course and select Option 1. He said it is ironic that the city is contemplating putting a stop to this planning process because the State of California failed to properly plan for its water needs. He stressed that completion of the process now would not result in any immediate development or threat to resources, but would secure some rather significant infrastructure improvements that benefit that entire community for years to come. He also stressed that there are any number of opportunities remaining throughout the planning and development process for the Council to condition or put a stop to any project that is not the right fit for Pleasanton. Don Kahler, Pleasanton Gravel Company, said he strongly believed that the plan area surrounding the Chain of Lakes and ongoing quarry operations represent a significant safety issue and should remain zoned for industrial use only. He cited chronic issues with minors trespassing, and in some cases being seriously injured, in order to use the lakes for recreation purposes. He stated that Peter Kiewit and Lionstone Investments, the two major property owners in the plan area, are located in Omaha, NE and Houston, TX respectively. If approved, the developers and their profits will return from when they came while the remaining property owners and community members will be left to deal with all of the impacts identified as well as a generally decreased quality of life. Mayor Thorne asked how many in the audience agreed with Mr. Kahler's concerns regarding safety. Brock Roby, Task Force member, reminded that community that one of the primary goals of planning is to responsibly address, rather than to run from, impacts: He cautioned against setting a precedent in which years of planning effort by staff and the Task Force is discarded without at least allowing the Task Force to weigh in. While the efforts of all involved were voluntary and without the expectation of any particular result, such action could discourage others from participating in community based planning efforts moving forward. He cautioned against the unintended consequences that might result from making emotional decisions, driven by those who may speak the loudest but may not necessarily be the most well-informed, at a planning level. He pointed that the Council was recently asked why it had not planned for the current drought further in advance, noting that the previous Council did in fact plan a significant effort that would result in the treatment of waste water to potable water standards, but that the simple fears of a loud few managed to stop that planning effort in its place. He encouraged those who oppose "sprawl" to ask whether they could also say that they would "prefer industrial" and urged the Council to support Option 1. City Council Minutes Page 8 of 15 May 19, 2015 •