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Becky Dennis believes the Council is more aligned with the CCLC's perspective in taking an adversarial tone with the State. She cautioned against taking this tone, citing the expense and reputation hit from the failed Urban Habitat v. City of Pleasanton lawsuit. Mayor Brown closed public comment. Vice Mayor Testa moved to direct staff to rewrite the letter and request the Legislative Committee discuss a different letter at its next meeting. Councilmember Narum expressed her opinion the Governor's language and tone were regrettable. She stated none of the Councilmembers are intending to knowingly violate state housing laws. She did not understand why political capital would be expended on this matter when there are bigger matters such as Senate Bill 9 and Senate Bill 10. She noted all agendas and staff reports are on the internet and easily findable along with being televised and available on YouTube. She commented anyone who wants to check on the Council can do it as they are not hiding. She advised she cannot support the item and spending the City's political capital in this way given the City intends to comply with the state housing laws. Councilmember Arkin commented she is in favor of a letter being sent but not the one submitted by staff. She expressed support for some portions of the letter and noted it is unnecessary to chastise the Governor for the tone of his statement in the letter. She expressed her belief the State can find a better use for the $4.3 million proposed for the HAU, echoing comments from Councilmembers Balch and Narum about the meetings being public. She stated the approach is creating animosity. Councilmember Balch advised it is a difficult decision because he did not expect Mr. DeLuca to recommend a letter be sent. He stated he believes it is unwise to send a letter and "take the bait" of this statement while releasing a budget. He believes it is unwise to rile up the entire City government over the statement. Councilmember Balch suggested signing the letter with a straight face as a Council identifying real housing solutions based upon votes banning second-story accessory dwelling units (ADU) at the last meeting. Lastly, he feels Council's actions should show what is stated in the letter. In response to Mayor Brown's inquiry, Mr. DeLuca confirmed that if the letter came back to the next City Council meeting on February 16, the timing would still be fine. Mayor Brown expressed her approval for the concept of a letter. She countered Ms. Dennis' comments about the lawsuit by stating it was 15 years ago and it overrode a housing cap approved by voters. She defended her voting record by citing 100% certified Housing Elements since the lawsuit and could defend signing the letter with a straight face. She noted second story ADUs were not required by the State. She stated the letter's context is strong and important in working collaboratively to eliminate unfunded mandates. She believes the letter's tone should be that the City intends to comply with RHNA and other housing matters. Mayor Brown moved for Council to direct staff to work with the Legislative Committee to either modify the letter or recommend not sending it at all. She stated the City should have its voice heard just as residents express their opinions to the Council. Councilmember Arkin moved for staff to return on February 16th with a letter considering tonight's input. Mayor Brown seconded the motion. Councilmember Balch stated his agreement with Mayor Brown's opinion that taking the matter to the Legislative Committee is a wise move. He added the budget is not finished and expressed his City Council Minutes Page 11 of 13 February 2, 2021