CCMIN08292017 - Laserfiche WebLink

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