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Councilmember Brown referenced a statement regarding tax -sharing relative to the outlets at <br />Livermore; noted there is a Costco in Livermore; and asked whether they were involved in tax - <br />sharing. <br />Finance Director Olson stated she does not know, but Assistant City Manager Dolan reported it was <br />not. He offered to have staff consider it and present it at a future Council meeting. Councilmember <br />Brown noted not all stores, share in the revenue to the City. Assistant Director Dolan reported that <br />in this case, the City has a partner that is willing to advance the money for improvements of the <br />infrastructure if they are paid back through the sales tax sharing agreement or through traffic impact <br />fees collected for future developers. <br />Vice Mayor Pentin reported the City already has zoning in place, if it moves forward with the <br />JDEDZ, he wondered if improvements would still be needed and Community Development Director <br />Beaudin responded affirmatively adding the PM peak -hour trip generation would require significant <br />traffic improvements in the area and would likely hinder the redevelopment of that kind of project, in <br />the area. <br />Vice Mayor Pentin opened public comment. <br />Jennifer Murillo, Director of Real Estate Development, Costco, addressed what Costco will bring to <br />Johnson Drive, Costco's commitment to the community and Costco as a responsible organization. <br />She reported Costco is investing; listed the benefits of having a Costco in Pleasanton; addressed <br />community outreach events and discussions and noted Costco provides fair wages and benefits <br />and commented on the company's culture. <br />Ian Wotherspoon spoke in favor of the project but expressed concerns with four lanes being <br />reduced to two; adding it will cause a tremendous bottleneck. He expressed concerns regarding the <br />future development of hotels, because of parking challenges and stated he wants to make sure <br />there will be enough parking. <br />Sandy Yamaoda expressed concerns regarding financing the project; wondered why there is such a <br />rush; suggested the need for additional vetting; and suggested opening the entire issue to the <br />public, in public meetings. She addressed Costco' decreasing stock values; competition from <br />Amazon and other on-line stores and reported Costco is selling, on-line, more than ever, and those <br />taxes do not go to the City. She took issue with the City paying 66% of the cost of development and <br />noted there are too many unknowns. Ms. Yamaoda said voters need honest answers and clarity <br />and suggested citizens need to digest the new scenario and determine whether it is reasonable. <br />Julie Testa reported speaking with many residents, and, although they like Costco, they do not <br />support taxpayer subsidies. She said this is not a "better" deal for the City; it seems like the City is <br />changing a lot of rules and stated the City could use schools more than a new Costco. <br />Mary Roberts commented on the long process; urged Council to move forward with the proposed <br />project to widen the range of commercial establishments; and felt that people from outside the City <br />will shop there. She opined the financing plan could use additional review but spoke in support of <br />going forward with the project. <br />Howard Tsztou stated he has mixed feelings about the project and said if Costco cannot come up <br />with funding, the City should find another developer. He addressed the size of the project and felt <br />there is a lot of risk connected to it. <br />Don Maday referenced the staff report indicating it claims Costco will generate 44% of trips at build- <br />out but noted they will generate 56% of new trips to the area. He opined the 44% also distorts the <br />City Council Minutes Page 3 of 6 August 29, 2017 <br />