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Director Clark stated there will be a need to balance out housing and employment, with the result being the City may see an increase in their RHNA numbers. Councilmember Narum requested clarification as to whether Ponderosa was a "hired consultant" and what is their actual role. Director Clark stated Ponderosa is interested in a development program/concept in East Pleasanton, which they are willing to support through reimbursement to the City. Ponderosa's plan will be considered along with the other alternatives presented. They are a proponent of the EPSP process, however they are not a consultant hired by the City. Assistant City Manager Dolan clarified Ponderosa's role in the process is to speak with one developer who represents a particular proposed project. Councilmember Testa inquired whether the East side of Pleasanton is the ideal location for RHNA sites. Assistant City Manager Dolan noted having TOD is a priority, but there are only two BART stations in the City. The City Council expressed interest in geographic dispersal of proposed RHNA sites and some are not near transportation hubs. Councilmember Testa expressed concern as to the actual amount of housing that is needed and this process may be premature. She also expressed concern the State will plan the City's housing if the City does not take a proactive approach. Assistant City Manager Dolan responded the State is taking away more local control in this process. The specific plan process, resulting in a development agreement, can be regulated by the City. He also affirmed if there is no adopted specific plan, it allows non City-controlled development to happen more easily. City Manager Nelson Fialho stated that today the State cannot preempt and control planning in the City. Mayor Thorne inquired as to whether the State could direct planning on County property. City Manager Fialho replied there would be some limitation but the State could get involved with County property. He stated the City could address the underlying light industrial zoning inside the urban growth boundary. The City would want all mitigations addressed. The EPSP affords the City the ability to comprehensively plan and work in a manner that is consistent with the expectations of Council. Mayor Thorne stated he has heard that 1900 homes have been planned. City Manager Fialho stated the City is driving the process with advisement from the Planning Commission and that he has not seen a plan for homes. The City will develop a comprehensive plan which will include opportunity for public participation. Mayor Thorne opened public comments. Isaac Elias expressed his support for developing the EPSP and noted Pleasanton has not built enough affordable housing and feels developing the area could align with the Pleasanton Climate Action Plan by lessening miles traveled by Pleasanton residents. Zarina Kiziloglu expressed her support for developing the EPSP and would like to see more affordable housing in Pleasanton. Sandy Yamaoda expressed her opposition for developing the EPSP at this time and feels it is premature to do so without the City's RHNA numbers. She presented a petition signed by 312 residents supporting that request. Reverend Ron Culmer, St. Clare's Episcopal Church, expressed his support for developing the East Pleasanton Specific Plan and work towards developing more affordable housing. City Council Minutes Page 5 of 14 February 18, 2020