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Director Clark presented the January 2020 modifications to SB50 which include the addition to <br /> create "local flexibility plans" which is a direct response from cities regarding local control. She <br /> noted the City was seeking clarification on how local compliance would be evaluated. <br /> Assistant to the City Manager, Becky Hopkins, reported that the Senator Leader Pro-Tem moved <br /> the bill out of Committee on January 17, 2020, and it will go directly to the Senate Floor. She <br /> advised Senate approval is required by January 31, 2020, and if approved, the bill will move to the <br /> Assembly. She reported the Assembly Policy Committee deadline is June 26, 2020, so additional <br /> amendments may be considered. <br /> Ms. Hopkins reported the City continues to reach out as an individual city but also with the Tri- <br /> Valley City (TVC) partners regarding key concerns and requested amendments to the bill. She <br /> reported areas of concern include historic resource protections, major transit stops definitions <br /> (which should not include low-frequency rail) jobs-rich area mapping, and local plan criteria and <br /> process. <br /> In response to Councilmember Brown's inquiry, Alex Gibbs, Townsend Public Affairs, clarified <br /> Pleasanton's "seat at the table" is established by the City taking the stance "oppose unless <br /> amended" which tends to set the City apart. He noted staff has submitted well-crafted letters <br /> regarding the bill which are taken seriously by the Housing Policy staff member who ultimately <br /> has the Senator's ear. He clarified the community-based planning amendments were formed <br /> largely by language provided in the letters submitted by the City and have helped establish <br /> credibility with the Senator's office. <br /> In response to Councilmember Brown's inquiry, Mr. Gibbs clarified historic resources are being <br /> discussed at a very high level in Sacramento and Townsend Public Affairs is pushing for the <br /> designation of a historic neighborhood to be included with the definition of a historic district to <br /> afford similar protections. <br /> In response to Councilmember Brown's inquiry, Director Clark agreed ACE would be designated <br /> as a state and federally funded transit infrastructure. Councilmember Pentin stated the City is <br /> trying to have ACE designated as a limited-service rail. Ms. Hopkins advised this item is included <br /> in the proposed SB50 amendments. Mr. Gibbs advised rail is one of the more contentious issues <br /> in Sacramento and the City needs to clarify what it really means in practice. <br /> In response to Councilmember Brown's inquiry, Mr. Gibbs noted Townsend Public Affairs is <br /> working with private associations to build broader coalitions when appropriate but would need to <br /> return to Council with a list of agencies which they have contacted. <br /> In response to Councilmember Pentin's inquiry, Mr. Gibbs advised they are still working with <br /> Senator Wiener's office to provide specific language and examples for fourplexes. He further <br /> clarified that Councilmember Pentin's concerns regarding where responsibility lies for housing <br /> production have been raised by local government stakeholders. He also stated it seems like areas <br /> that are job-rich community adjacent, such as Pleasanton, are being asked to carry the burden <br /> from other municipalities. <br /> In response to Councilmember Pentin's inquiry, Mr. Gibbs confirmed the criteria for affordable <br /> housing designations varies from city to city. Mr. Gibbs also reported building low-income housing <br /> instead of paying into a lower-income housing fund has also been discussed. He also advised <br /> many cities are calling for a higher percentage of affordable housing to be built. <br /> In response to Councilmember Pentin's inquiry, Mr. Gibbs confirmed SB50 could be chartered at <br /> the same time the City is receiving its Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) numbers to <br /> prepare its housing element and general plans. <br /> City Council Minutes Page 4 of 7 January 21, 2020 <br />