CCMIN032001 - Laserfiche WebLink

5. MEETING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Gall Gilpin described the Green Business Program. Ms. Dennis expressed her appreciation for the Program. It is an oppommity to let the public know which businesses have made an investment in the environment and sustainability for their operations. This is a nine-county program with Alameda County being the first recipient of grant funds from the EPA. Presentations were made to "Green Businesses" in Pleasanton. Those accepting the commendation were: Chris and Erica Beratlis for Beratlis Automotive; Chris Christensen for Oil Changer; Ryan and Trish Maas, Karen Menard and Bob Kilby for RyNck Tire & Auto Center; Ken Benhamou and Martha Bunch for SAS German Auto; and Wayne and Pam Yew for Allegra Print & Imaging. Bob Carrick for Auto Tech Engine Rebuilders was unable to attend the meeting. Ken Benhamou, SAS German Auto, expressed his thanks to Alameda County and especially to his employees. It is a big commitment to allow a government entity into your office. He felt what the Green Business Program is important for all of us. It was simple to do and there are simple things to do to protect the atmosphere, the environment, and not waste natural resources. Wayne Yeaw of Allegra Print & Imaging also thanked Council and Alameda County. His business found it more difficult to meet the requirements. It was a challenge and he is proud to be part of the program. Brian Jackson, representing Oil Changer, thanked Council for the award and indicated the business would continue to uphold all the standards. Other Speakers Vera Dunder, 4713 and 4725 First Street, asked Council for a better cost analysis for the changes proposed in the Downtown Specific Plan. She was told that any economic considerations were be analyzed in the EIR but at the last meeting, she was told the EIR is not allowed to have an analysis of cost effects. How do citizens and Council make decisions if it is unknown what the cost of downzoning certain areas would be? If a city takes a right of way through property, it downgrades the property and the city has to pay. It is unknown how much the city will be liable to pay property owners as a result of the proposed Specific Plan. She felt it was important to have this information and to decide if perhaps the money could be better spent on other things. She referred to comments of Ms. Ayaia opposing the roundabout and the further expense of studying it. Ms. Dunder believed the consultant that is preparing the EIR is spending money for a traffic analysis of the roundabout, along with other things. Pleasanton City Council 6 03/20/01 Minutes