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Mayor Tarver believed the people need to be able to express themselves, but they have been stopped at every turn. The agencies that made the decision may ultimately not pay any attention and he did not like that. He did not want the groundwater basin to be used politically. He believed it was a good idea to have an advisory vote to see what public opinion is. The Regional Water Quality Control Board, Zone 7 and DSRSD can still do what they want to do. He wanted an answer from the community. Ms. Ayala wanted this on the ballot to find out what the people think about the project. She would be cautious about what she signs and that depends on how the arguments are written. She was concerned about half truths in the arguments and rebuttals. Ms. Dennis felt some of the speakers wanted Council to take a position and that was not discussed in the staff report. She was also concerned about who would draft the ballot argument. Ms. Ayala suggest Ms. Dennis could be one of the authors of the ballot arguments because she could control what was being said. Ms. Ayala wanted to hear what the people feel about the process. Mayor Tarver was confused about Ms. Dennis' position. He asked her if her decision about putting a measure on the ballot depended on whether Council wanted to sign a ballot argument in favor of or opposed to the measure. She said no. The ballot question somewhat depends on who drafts it, signs arguments, and prepares a summary. She asked if this were an opportunity for the proponents and opponents to argue their cases? Or is Council putting its position forward? She felt Council's participation in arguments for or against may pose a different question; not for or against the project, but do the voters support the position of their representatives. Ms. Michelotti asked what Mr. Pico had in mind when he proposed this measure. She believed that what Ms. Dennis was saying is are we asking the people if they want Council to oppose this project as a Council or are we asking for the position of the public on this project. She asked if it was necessary to have a closed session with the City Attorney regarding the allegation that the City was breaking a covenant in a prior agreement. Mr. Pico believed that between now and November, DSRSD will attempt to get approval for direct injection of RO treated wastewater into our groundwater basin. The Regional Water Quality Control Board is going to be asked to make a decision. He believed public acceptance of the project is an issue and the only way to assure that the people have a voice in this decision is to ask them and the best way to ask is to put it on the ballot as an advisory measure. We can have public debate. He did not think the time for direct injection has come. The Valley is not at a last resort and the process is not needed for excess sewer capacity. He did not believe the City was violating any Pleasanton City Council 19 12/07/99 Minutes