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Vice Mayor Narum suggested the speaker meet with staff prior to the workshop so that he can <br /> share his concerns. <br /> Vickie LaBarge stated that she prefers no additional building in Pleasanton but understands this is <br /> not an option due to the City's adopted General Plan. She supports Council's decision and has <br /> been handing out flyers around town. She witnessed aggressive tactics by paid signature <br /> gatherers for the referendum who also were stating inaccuracies such as the petition would <br /> prevent mansions on the hills, it is a "land grab," and that the City gave the developer land to <br /> develop. This referendum will stop the development of Lund Ranch. She stated she was called <br /> degrading names and this behavior does not fit with character of their city. She wanted the <br /> residents of Sycamore Heights to know how signature gatherers are behaving. In closing, she <br /> stated she had left a message for the City's traffic staff and wanted to know when they would be <br /> contacting her. <br /> Greg O'Connor read a letter into the record on behalf of Matt Sullivan, former Planning <br /> Commissioner and City Councilmember. In summary, City Council ignored Measure PP and their <br /> interpretation of it was flawed. It will result in grading within 100 feet of a ridgeline and building on <br /> slopes which 25% or greater grade. He urged residents to sign the petition. The neighborhoods <br /> are at odds because of traffic on their street and an alternative acceptable compromise would <br /> have been to grant the permitted end unit provision. The people of Pleasanton will be the losers <br /> regardless of the outcome. Mr. O'Connor stated that much of the information regarding petition <br /> gatherer disputes was hearsay and that the behavior at the Farmer's Market was unacceptable. <br /> He requested a City Police Officer be present for the four hours of the Farmer's Market. <br /> Michelle Plunge stated that residents are disappointed with the Council's decision regarding Lund <br /> Ranch. A website, Savepleasantonhillsides.com, is available and there are signature gathering <br /> stations, including one at the Farmer's Market, Saturday 23rd, 9am to 1pm. Residents have until <br /> February 3`d to sign the petition. She thanked the voters for their protection of the ridgelines and <br /> hillsides in Pleasanton. <br /> Bill Spain spoke of his 27 year residency in Pleasanton and has attended all the Planning <br /> Commission meetings related to Lund Ranch II. He stated that there were a wide variety of factors <br /> considered including impacts to neighborhood traffic, parks, and previously negotiated <br /> neighborhood agreements. The January 25 vote was not everything he sought, but was fair. Staff <br /> included all vested parties and it is an agreement they could be satisfied with and proud of. He <br /> believes it is a small group trying to overturn Council's decision and does not agree with the <br /> confrontational approach and blatantly misleading statements being given to residents. <br /> Vice Mayor Narum requested that the Interim City Attorney comment on the City's involvement in <br /> signature gathering. Interim City Attorney Harryman stated that the City has no involvement in the <br /> signature gathering process whatsoever and any misrepresentations by signature gatherers <br /> should be forwarded to the Secretary of State. <br /> City Manager Fialho stated that the joint meeting with the Planning Commission will take place <br /> once all of the necessary data, including the economic study, is available. At that time, possibly in <br /> March, the City will release the information to the public and the meeting will be scheduled. <br /> In response to an inquiry from Councilmember Brown, Interim City Attorney Harryman stated that <br /> it is legal for paid signature gatherers to collect signatures for a referendum, however, she did not <br /> know if it is legal for them to gather signatures for more than one petition at a time. <br /> Councilmember Brown stated that she believes there is zero tolerance for the inaccurate <br /> statements purportedly being given by signature gatherers. <br /> City Council Minutes Page 4 of 6 January 19,2016 <br />