The Pleasanton City Council meeting held on February 3, 2026, focused on regional water supply feasibility, proposed tax measures to address the structural deficit, and a new policy framework for property rezoning.
Water Supply and Groundwater Feasibility
The Council received an update on Phase 1 of the Regional Groundwater Facilities Improvement Project, a partnership with Zone 7 Water Agency.
Feasibility Results: The study determined it is technically feasible to construct new joint groundwater wells in the Bernal subbasin.
Preferred Locations: Tennis Park and Hansen Park were identified as the best sites for production.
Water Quality: Modeling suggested that these wells could operate for at least 20 years without drawing in the local PFAS contaminant plume.
Cost: The total joint project cost is estimated at $42.3 million, though final cost-sharing terms with Zone 7 are still being negotiated.
Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Proposal
To address an ongoing structural budget deficit, staff recommended placing a TOT (hotel tax) increase on the November 2026 ballot.
Phased Increase: The proposed measure would increase the rate from 8% to 10% in 2027, and then to 12% in 2028.
Revenue Impact: Once fully implemented, the increase is projected to generate approximately $2.8 million in annual revenue.
Stakeholder Feedback: Hotel operators generally indicated they would not oppose the measure if implementation was gradual.
Action: The Council unanimously directed staff to proceed with developing the ballot measure language.
Development and Rezoning Policy
Staff sought direction to draft a formal policy for evaluating General Plan Amendments and rezoning requests, particularly for office-to-residential conversions.
The Goal: Create an "early review" workshop process so developers can receive a preliminary "yes" or "no" from the Council before spending significant money on full applications.
Community Benefit: This process allows the city to negotiate community benefits and amenities that are often lost under newer, restrictive state housing laws.
Action: The Council unanimously approved the development of this policy.
Public Comment and Community Concerns
Commissions: Several residents and commissioners raised concerns over suspended Civic Arts Commission meetings and a perceived lack of transparency regarding potential structural changes to city commissions.
Immigration (ICE): Members of the public and Council members discussed community anxiety regarding federal immigration enforcement. The Police Chief reiterated that the department does not participate in federal immigration enforcement.
Economic Vitality: There was a call to address long-term vacancies in downtown Pleasanton, with a workshop on Council priorities scheduled for March 17 to discuss these issues further.
Personnel and Announcements
Economic Development: Abraham Salinas was introduced as the city's new Economic Development Manager.
Fire Department: Several promotions were recognized, including Curtis Dickey to Deputy Chief.
Cultural Events: The City Manager highlighted upcoming celebrations for Lunar New Year (February 14) and Black History Month (February 28).
