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Ms. Olson confirmed the percentages that each of the entities would be paying and that the <br /> hotel's contribution would reduce the City's obligation by $1.8 million. <br /> Vice Mayor Pentin affirmed that the properties that are not yet under consideration would be <br /> grandfathered in and will benefit from the upzoning. <br /> Councilmember Narum inquired regarding utilizing TIF funds on Stoneridge Drive and whether the <br /> road improvements were in the General Plan. Traffic Engineer Mike Tassano noted the relevant <br /> General Plan references including various years the project was included in updates. He noted <br /> that if there is no approved JDEDZ, the City would have to do improvements for any buildout. <br /> Councilmember Brown expressed concerns regarding traffic safety, especially driving north on I- <br /> 680 and east on 1-580; many drivers wind up going to Livermore rather than to Walnut Creek. <br /> Traffic Engineer Tassano reported that the short weave section does present difficulties and that <br /> area is one of the heaviest movements the City has and finding a spot to merge in is difficult. <br /> Councilmember Brown noted that there will be more vehicles on the ramp when it goes down to <br /> one lane. <br /> Councilmember Olson confirmed there would be metered lights during peak hours and signals <br /> regulating the two lanes merging down to one. <br /> Councilmember Brown provided her reasoning for supporting the plan, noting that the JDEDZ site <br /> was unsightly and needed to be developed, the developer selected Costco, the City is not <br /> involved with seeking out tenants, and the road and infrastructure is something that needed to be <br /> done. City staff tried to get creative with the financing, and it was difficult for her to decide to build <br /> roads big enough for a Costco, and she struggled with setting a precedent. She referenced the <br /> vote of the people, where 63% did not want to limit the size of the development. In closing, she <br /> stated that she spoke with many people in the community and that most want the convenience of <br /> a Costco. She would like the hotels to come forward as soon as possible in order to reduce the <br /> City's financial obligation and she is voting today for the necessary traffic improvements and sales <br /> tax sharing option. <br /> Vice Mayor Pentin supports the project and noted it is good for Pleasanton, and he has supported <br /> the idea since the beginning. The City has a responsibility to economic development and the <br /> sales tax sharing is the best of the financing opportunities presented. A bond issue would cost <br /> more and this would allow the City to utilize Costco's funding to build the necessary <br /> improvements. <br /> Councilmember Narum stated that most people want a Costco in Pleasanton and see it as an <br /> amenity and a convenience. She does not see a risk as the loan does have a sunset clause and <br /> the City is protected if Costco ceases operations. The loan will be forgiven, there is no minimum <br /> payment, and the initial loan is allowing for the other development. <br /> Councilmember Olson supported this project from its inception. <br /> MOTION: It was m/s Brown/Narum to authorize staff to move forward with processing the <br /> necessary transaction documents and land use entitlements to implement the JDEDZ; to <br /> authorize the City Manager to execute the modified term sheet with Costco, to use the sales tax <br /> sharing option as the preferred financing option for the necessary improvements; and to modify <br /> the terms document to state clearly there is no minimum payment due to Costco, the payment is <br /> strictly based on sales tax, and there will be no funds required from any other account to pay the <br /> loan. Motion passed by the following vote: <br /> City Council Minutes Page 5 of 6 September 18,2017 <br />