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Ms. Ayala agreed with Ms. Dennis as the City would have control over the local fees, it would not have control over regional fees. Ms. Michelotti said if the City knew exactly what fees the other jurisdictions were paying, then perhaps there could be adjustments made. Mayor Tarver opened the public hearing. Tom O'Malley, 6000 Stoneridge Mall Road, President of the Tri-Valley Business Council, referred to its position paper on this issue. The TVBC agreed transportation is one of the most critical issues affecting the quality of life and economic vitality within the region. The problem must be fixed now. The cost to fix the problem should be shared by those responsible for developing and maintaining the transportation system, as well as those that use the system. TVBC supported a fee paid by businesses. The concern is that the proposed fee is not fair or equitable, nor will it solve the problem. The proposed fee only impacts new development or relocating businesses or residents. No plan has been included to insure that action is initiated to pursue funding from federal and state agencies responsible for maintaining the system or payment from current users. He did not agree with the San Ramon and Danville businesses who are exempt from paying a fee. He felt we should be actively working on a realistic, timely solution to the transportation problem. He believed a collaborative effort should be initiated to develop a transportation funding plan to solve the problem. Janet Batcheller, 644 St. Mary Street, said the businesses want to pay their fair share. But what is fair? Is it fair that all new businesses coming into the region are subject to the same levy. Bishop Ranch has never been subject to any regional traffic mitigation fees, even though its development agreement was revised as late as 1996. She said NPID has done far more than its fair share toward regional traffic mitigation. Mr. Herman Well, chairman of TVTC, is strongly in favor of this fee. She commented on the relationship between the San Ramon Council and San Ramon businesses. To entice businesses to San Ramon, it used the fact there were no traffic mitigation fees. She felt toll roads would be fair. It is the ultimate user fee and toll roads are bondable. She would like the City to be pro-active and solve the transportation problem. She felt toll roads would help do this, along with other fees. Brad Hirst, 1811 Santa Rita Road, President of the Chamber of Commerce, said the Chamber supported taxing the businesses. He asked if the TVTC really considered freeway congestion a serious problem. The fee as proposed will not come close to solving the problem. The business community would like to work with the elected officials to take all the necessary steps to reach solutions at the earliest possible date. This is the first step. The fee should be applicable to all undeveloped land within the jurisdiction to the extent legally possible. This would include development by public agencies like colleges, etc. He felt it was important that each participating agency recognize the payment of this fee is complete and acceptable mitigation under CEQA for regional transportation purposes. This fee will only solve part of the problem. It is important to consider other funding measures, i.e., Measure B, bonds, and toll roads. He Pleasanton City Council 08/05/97 Minutes 9