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• Ernest Solomon, Vice President—Board of Directors,Purissima Hills Water District, reported that the District was 20% over its water allotment and he was requesting Council's help to correct this problem. He noted that although this was not a critical problem now, it will be when the next drought occurs. He further noted that 400 homes in the Town used 50% of the water allocation. Mr. Solomon urged Council to include their proposed guidelines for water conservation in the Town's planning process for new homes and extensive remodels. In response to an inquiry about wells, Mr. Solomon reported that the Santa Clara Valley Water District was the permitting agency for wells and wells were not a problem in the Town. The draft guidelines include the following: Landscape area is that portion of a property utilizing plants, such as trees, shrubs, and ground covers and all agricultural and ornamental uses of water including pools, ponds and fountains. Hardscape is not included in the proposed calculations. The Purissima Hills Water District shall review landscape plans for all new residences and for landscape modifications exceeding 10,000 square feet. Comments will be submitted by the Water District to the Town's Site Development Authority during the planning process as to conformance with the guidelines. Exceptions to this provision may be granted where private well water was used for irrigation. The following guidelines apply to all landscape plans: 1) Low water-use plants should occupy at least 33% of the landscape area and require minimal water once established; 2) Moderate water-use plants should be limited to no more than 33% of the total landscape area or 10,000 square feet, whichever is less; and 3) The combined high water-use landscaping, including plantings,turf and/or water area(i.e. pools,ponds and fountains) should be limited to 34% of the landscape area or 10,000 square feet, whichever is less. • Patrick Walter, General Manger—Purissima Hills Water District, commented that these guidelines would apply to all and there would be no cost to the residents. Mr. Walter further explained the implementation of the plan. The Town's planning department would give out the information on the guidelines;the landscaping plans would be submitted to the Water District for review; if the guidelines are not met,the District will work with the applicants; the applicants may appeal to the Council; and the inspections will be conducted by the Town's Building Official as usual. Greg Zlotnick, Santa Clara Valley Water District,urged Council to adopt these water guidelines. He noted that the Town indeed was over its water allocation and needed to take steps to conserve water. He further commented that indeed an extension of pipeline was an option under review by the Santa Clara Valley Water District. However, if this took place stipulations would be placed on the Town if they wanted to share the pipeline. If the Town did not have conservation measures in place, it would not be served. Mr. Zlotnick stated that conservation was the key component of overall water management in the State. Betsy Bertram, 11854 Page Mill Road, commented on the amount of landscaping removed when a project was done in Town. She recommended that this be looked at from the viewpoint of retaining as much landscaping as possible. Kelly Porter, Stonebrook, supported the Water District's guidelines. He commented that the Town being over in its water allotment was at the very least being unfriendly to other • communities. He believed the burden of water conservation should be shared fairly for all residents not just newcomers. January 20, 2000 Regular City Council Meeting 3