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Councilmember Pentin observed the CASA Compact is not legislation, but rather influences <br /> legislators who introduce bills. Mr. Fialho added they are also introducing broad legislation. <br /> Councilmember Brown asked about the definition of a rent cap and Mr. Beaudin reported the <br /> legislation will come from these ideas and all cities with a certain number of units may have to move <br /> forward with a rent cap in certain market conditions and will pertain to rent assistance and free legal <br /> counsel as well. Councilmember Brown asked about unlocking public lands for affordable housing <br /> and asked if there is any of that type of land in and around Pleasanton. Mr. Beaudin reported <br /> legislators are looking a larger cities and surplus land based on the Surplus Land Act, which is of <br /> no concern in Pleasanton. <br /> Assistant City Manager Brian Dolan stated the only piece of land that comes to mind relates to the <br /> elimination of the West Las Positas interchange and felt it should be tracked. <br /> Mr. Beaudin addressed Pleasanton specific Policy Objectives for discussion by Council including <br /> local control, voter rights, local context, layers of bureaucracy, affordability, fiscal impacts, unfunded <br /> mandates, incentives and service impacts. He reported as time goes on staff will be looking at the <br /> legislative subcommittee and Council to ensure Pleasanton is well represented. He discussed <br /> legislation coming out of the CASA Compact, Bill Development and the Legislative Process, and <br /> recommended next steps. <br /> In response to Mayor Thorne's question regarding including all infrastructure, Mr. Beaudin <br /> responded affirmatively and addressed recommended actions. <br /> Councilmember Pentin referenced discussions with members of the League of California Cities <br /> regarding the possibility of urban-growth boundaries being subject to the CASA Compact and Mr. <br /> Beaudin stated he has not heard that but acknowledged he has not reviewed all of the pieces of <br /> legislation involved. <br /> Councilmember Testa said she supports the five cities working together but expressed concern the <br /> resolution is far too "understanding" and asked for an explanation. Mr. Beaudin stated it is a <br /> commitment to using the foundational key themes in the CASA Compact and the City's response <br /> to state legislators over the next year or so. The City wants to create a shared, collaborative <br /> approach in the Tri-Valley that would allow advocates to know where the group stands. It does not <br /> preclude the City Council from going farther in specific areas. Councilmember Testa expressed <br /> concern that residents would not agree. She acknowledged the need to be productive, noted the <br /> need to work with state requirements but stated she is not willing to accept the parameters of the <br /> CASA Compact. <br /> Councilmember Narum stated there is no mention of freshening CEQA. Mr. Beaudin reported this <br /> is a proactive approach in responding to legislation and there will be opportunities to look at CEQA <br /> and other issues relevant to the Tri-Valley and the Pleasanton community. He added there are a <br /> number of CEQA streamlining bills in the mix, but they didn't come from the CASA Compact. <br /> Mayor Thorne noted there were no speakers for this item. <br /> Mayor Thorne stressed that the CASA Compact is not legislation but noted there are some bills that <br /> concern him. He added Council has an obligation to protect taxpayers as well as the City's General <br /> Fund. He opined some of the measures that are being proposed are outrageous and taxpayers <br /> need to be informed of possible outcomes. The bills need to be watched very carefully and he <br /> expressed support for staffs recommendations. <br /> City Council Minutes Page 5 of 7 March 5, 2019 <br />