September 1st, City Council Meeting

Meeting Overview

• Date & Call to Order: September 1, 2026.

• Consent Calendar: Items 1 through 7 passed unanimously.

Business Items

Item 9: Regional Groundwater Supply Project Agreement with Zone 7 Water Agency

Utilities Planning Manager and Public Works staff presented a proposed agreement with Zone 7 Water Agency regarding the design, construction, and operation of a joint groundwater supply project.

• Background & Goal:

  • In November 2022, City Wells 5, 6, and 8 were taken offline due to PFAS contamination, forcing the city to buy replacement groundwater from Zone 7 at wholesale rates.

  • The goal is to restore the city's 3,500 acre-feet annual Groundwater Production Quota (GPQ) and 6.2 million gallons/day maximum daily production by developing new wells in the Bernal subbasin.

  • Total project budget is estimated at $29 million in 2026 dollars.

• Cost & Work Breakdowns:

  • Feasibility Study: $1.5 million (offset by a $1 million state grant).

  • Joint Regional Facilities (Wells, Transmission Lines, Upgrades): Total cost $42.3 million; Pleasanton's share is 36% (~$15.2 million).

  • City Distribution System Improvements: $12.3 million (100% city responsibility).

• Key Agreement Terms:

  • Roles: Zone 7 serves as the lead agency for design, permitting, environmental review, and construction (using a progressive design-build model). Pleasanton leads community outreach and retains approval rights on park impacts (aesthetics, placement, noise).

  • Operations & Maintenance (O&M): Zone 7 will own and operate the facilities. Annual O&M costs will be split proportionally based on actual annual water usage.

  • Park Protections: Zone 7 must comply with the Public Park Preservation Act of 1971, offsetting land loss at the well site with equal-value park improvements.

  • Term: 30-year agreement expiring December 31, 2055 (aligned with the primary municipal water contract).

• Council Recommendation: Authorize the City Manager to finalize and execute the agreement with Zone 7 Water Agency

Public Comment / Open Forum (Item 8)

A. Energy & Infrastructure Services

• Echo Green Solutions: Presented options for energy efficiency programs and state/federal funding opportunities (including clean energy grants and infrastructure bonds) available to municipalities with no out-of-pocket costs.

B. Wheels Bus Route Changes & School Transportation

Multiple residents, students, and parents voiced concerns regarding recent route and bus stop adjustments made by the Amador Valley Transit Authority (Wheels Bus/LAVTA):

• Parkside Community Impact: Residents reported that the elimination of local Parkside stops forces students to walk up to a mile, causing physical strain, sleep loss, and schedule disruption. They proposed adding a 602C route or consolidating stops to 1 per 3–4 courts.

• Muir & Martin Intersection Stop: Residents called for the reinstatement of the removed stop at Muir and Martin Avenues. They noted that current alternatives are overcrowded, forcing students to stand in aisles or miss school.

• Overcrowding & Safety: Public speakers emphasized that reduced bus runs have led to overcrowded buses, safety risks, traffic congestion from parents driving students, and missed first-period classes.

• Council & Staff Clarification:

  • Mayor Balch and City Staff clarified that transit routes and capacity fall under the authority of LAVTA/Wheels Bus, a Joint Powers Authority (JPA).

  • Council Member Tessa (a city representative on the Wheels board) and Assistant City Manager Alexa Jeffress noted that LAVTA recently commissioned a study to streamline routes and manage fleet resources.

  • Council members committed to taking the public's safety and route concerns directly to the upcoming LAVTA/Wheels board meeting on September 14th.

C. Ground Squirrel Mitigation at Community Parks

• Neighborhood Complaints: Residents reported severe property damage caused by burrowing ground squirrels originating from city park property. Issues cited include damaged home foundations, ruined landscaping, chewed vehicle wiring (costs ranging from $1,500 to over $20,000 in repairs), and compromised tree roots.

• City Response: Assistant City Manager Alexa Jeffress explained that state regulations limit the use of certain chemical controls and poisons. However, the Parks Department and Public Works are coordinating with vector control agencies and planned a community meeting with affected homeowners later in the month to discuss approved mitigation strategies.

D. Historic District USPS Cluster Mailboxes

• Concerns regarding a U.S. Postal Service proposal to replace individual mail delivery in parts of the Historic District with centralized cluster box units (CBUs) along sidewalk medians. Residents expressed worry over mail theft, identity theft, accessibility, and historic preservation standards.

• Council confirmed that postal routes are dictated by the federal government, but staff noted they would look into the communication and notice process.