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the proposed road in the Lund Ranch development violates Measure PP and will have various negative impacts on the hillsides. He noted that the opposition to the referendum has stated the referendum election will cost thousands of dollars. He confirmed that the Council has the option of rescinding the Ordinance and avoiding an election. He suggested a compromise to the Ventana Hills group and suggested that all parties, including the developer and the City, focus on a solution that provides the developer with use of their land in conformance with Measure PP. Bill Wheeler, owner of Black Tie Transportation, spoke about the Johnson Drive Economic Development Zone. At a recent Chamber of Commerce meeting, he stated that a representative of Neuron commented that, "Costco is coming." He expressed concerns that the Planning Commission staff rejected a project proposal that would better suit the community, even though it would not generate as much revenue as a Costco. In recent pollings, he stated that many in the Pleasanton community do not want more big box stores, more crime, more traffic, and more development. Similar to the Lund Ranch matter, this issue is dividing the community and many do not see the sense in letting a big corporation dictate what happens with development in Pleasanton. He stated that Vice Mayor Narum suggested he attend an upcoming workshop on the matter to express his concerns and provide input, however the date for the workshop keeps moving. In closing, he claimed that people will find ways to take these matters in their own hands through the ballot box. Came Cox, Cox Family Stores, commented that she attended a Bay Area Air Quality meeting where it was shared that even though Costco would increase pollution, the organization had no jurisdiction over the City of Pleasanton. She expressed concerns that even the Supplemental Environmental Impact Report concludes that the traffic and pollution impacts would be significant. It is her contention that the City Council is the only legislative body with jurisdiction over this matter and that has the ability to address the negative impacts that a Costco will bring. This includes 3,000 — 4,000 cars per day that will be idling when waiting to fuel and 180 delivery trucks per month. She expressed concern that the City Council did not care about pollution and was only interested in the revenue. She referenced a recent newspaper stating that Mayor Thorne was seeking his third term and that he stated in the article that any proposed Johnson Drive project will have full vetting. She also referenced a comment made by Neuron that the Costco was a "done deal." Mayor Thorne denied stating that a Costco was "inevitable." He only stated that it was one of the many possible projects and proposals that could be presented and there will be full public vetting for all. John Bauer stated that he attended two of the Johnson Drive Economic Development Zone workshops. City staff listened to concerns, answered all questions and provided handouts and clarifying information. He felt the key "take aways" from the meeting were that the Johnson Drive Economic Development Zone was just a proposal and that no changes will be made until a full evaluation is publically conducted. This will also be the first time this type of Zone would be introduced in the City. His wife would be happy if a Costco came to Pleasanton. He is waiting for the joint meetings between the Planning Commission and the City Council and other workshops before he makes his decision. He read the article that Mayor Thorne is running for his third term, and was shocked by the quote attributed to Mayor Thorne in the newspaper about "rezoning property on Johnson Drive." Mr. Bauer strongly suggested that the Zone be fully vetted by the process involving a joint hearing between Planning Commission and City Council and then more public hearings. He strongly urged Mayor Thorne to follow the process he had previously endorsed. Mayor Thorne stated he is not pushing for any particular business but he would like to see the study done. Greg Wohlenberg thanked the volunteer signature gatherers who worked diligently to collect signatures for the referendum on the Lund Ranch II project. In speaking with residents, he heard a consistent support for slow and moderate growth and traffic protections throughout the community. They are proud to be part of the referendum effort and he again sent a thank you to the committed residents. City Council Minutes Page 3 of 5 February 16, 2016