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Mayor Brown closed public comment. In response to Vice Mayor Testa's inquiry, Director Yurchak confirmed Zone 7 is continuing to study all supply options including desalinization. She added there was no priority given to any of the supply options. In response to Mayor Brown's inquiry, Director Yurchak confirmed the $300,000 study being discussed is specifically for potable reuse because that is the only local supply option and was seen at the time as a shared responsibility. She reiterated that Zone 7 is paying for the studies on other options. In response to Councilmember Balch's inquiries, Director Yurchak confirmed studies of the reliability of the aquifer, management of the aquifer, and PFAS are included in the $300,000, providing knowledge benefits besides just potable reuse. She confirmed the potable reuse component is intertwined with the other elements so she cannot provide a percentage of the $300,000 specifically for potable reuse. In response to Councilmember Balch's inquiry, City Manager Fialho confirmed the ratepayers are paying for Zone 7's desalinization efforts mainly through rate recoveries and impact fees. He added what makes this matter different is the City has been asked to partly contribute to a regional effort because it is the City's resource. Director Yurchak confirmed the study would benefit the entire region and not just the City. Mayor Brown referenced a 2020 staff report with $1 million in expenses noting there was $200,000 allocated to communication efforts. Councilmember Arkin moved to reallocate the $300,000 towards PFAS. Vice Mayor Testa seconded the motion. Councilmember Balch stated his surprise the Council is not unanimously supporting the study to advance science and knowledge. He stated his understanding of the Council's many valid concerns and decried the previous Council for punting the matter to voters in 2000. He added his concerns about not supporting science noting global warming is a known entity and water supplies are accordingly ebbing and flowing. He expressed concern the Council would not take an action to further understand the aquifer. He clarified that does not mean he supports potable reuse and believes that will be a vote which will be years in the future. Councilmember Balch made a substitute motion to not alter the City's course. Councilmember Narum seconded the motion. Councilmember Narum commented she is not in any way ready to sign up for potable reuse. She noted the Tri-Valley water groups were formed as a response to the drought and residents calling for action on water supply reliability, being less dependent on the State, and conservation. Council moved forward unanimously with studying the matter and noted it was done in good faith with City partners. She echoed Councilmember Balch's point of there being far more to the study than merely potable reuse as it will provide the ability to make informed decisions in the future. Councilmember Narum questioned why the City would not honor its commitment to its regional partners noted it is important to have a seat at the table. She expressed her supported for the study and she believes honoring the commitment is the right thing to do. She stated her surprise the City would not want a seat at the table or to be a part of getting this information. Mayor Brown commented on her surprise at Councilmember Balch's surprise and noted in 2018 they were asked at the Water Roundtable to vote for diversification or nothing. She advised voting City Council Minutes Page 7 of 12 February 2, 2021