City of Pleasanton Provides a Host of Services for Residents and Businesses

By Jay Hipps, Hacienda Network Staff Writer

Pleasanton's city government provides a great number of services to the community. Check out the directory below for a description of what each department does as well as contact information. For additional information, access www.cityofpleasantonca.gov/gov/depts/. E-mail addresses for contacts within the various offices can be found in the City Directory posted on its website.

City Manager

As Pleasanton's chief administrative officer, City Manager Nelson Fialho is responsible for providing overall leadership and administrative direction to the organization in the fulfillment of City Council policies and priorities. Specific functions carried out by Fialho and his staff include preparing an annual operating budget, overseeing personnel related practices and activities, and directing city services and programs. Contact the City Manager's office at (925) 931-5002.

City Attorney

Appointed by the City Council, City Attorney Jonathan Lowell serves as its chief legal counsel as well as the department head for the City Attorney's Office, a full-service legal department that advises council members and city staff on contractual, regulatory, and litigation matters. Specific areas where the City Attorney provides input include open meeting and public records laws; conflicts of interests; land use and environmental laws; claims and litigation; municipal elections; employment and labor relations; municipal utilities; procurement and other internal services; code enforcement; and resolutions, ordinances, and other legal documents. Contact the City Attorney's office at (925) 931-5015.

Community Development Department

This department has four divisions, described below.

Planning Services This division provides a range of planning services related to current planning, advanced planning, and code enforcement. The City Planning Commission advises the City Council on land use matters including zoning issues, use permits, variance, and site and architectural plans. The Commission reviews and makes recommendations regarding development plans submitted by the Planning Division, and is also responsible for General Plan and Specific Plan reviews.

The division's website, www.cityofpleasantonca.gov/gov/depts/cd/planning/, has extensive information about all facets of the planning and building process, including applications for Development Review, the Zoning Parcel Map, Municipal Code Regulations, Site Development Standards by Zoning District, and Ordinances Related to Planned Unit Development Zoning.

A collection of Green Building-related documents, checklists, and guidelines, including the Energy Element of the General Plan, is also available online.

Anyone conducting business within the City of Pleasanton, including companies using a Pleasanton address for business mailing purposes, is required to have a business license on file. For Business License information, call (925) 931-5440.

For general planning information or special events regulations, contact the Planning Services division at (925) 931-5600. A planner is available during office hours to discuss planning-related questions at (925) 437-4009.

Building and Safety Services This division helps safeguard Pleasanton citizens against faulty or inadequate building, plumbing, mechanical and electrical installations and construction practices. The division provides guidance in compliance with state and local construction laws as they relate to seismic, wind, fire life safety, and accessibility in both plan review and field inspection, and reviews and inspects all private development structures and site work within the property boundary. Staff can be reached at (925) 931-5300.

Code Enforcement This division of the Community Development Department enforces the Pleasanton Municipal Code as it applies to property maintenance, property nuisances, and other problems in residential and commercial zoning districts. Staff work closely with all city departments to resolve health, safety, and public nuisance problems that adversely affect quality of life in Pleasanton. Over 90 percent of all reported problems are resolved on the initial contact by Code Enforcement officers. In rare circumstances, administrative penalties are assessed to those who fail to comply with the municipal code. Code enforcement issues or questions can be referred to Mark Dennis at (925) 931-5620.

Traffic Engineering The Traffic Engineering Division is responsible for planning and operating the roadways, sidewalks, and bikeways to provide for the safe and efficient movement of people, goods, and services within Pleasanton. The most common requests of Traffic Division staff involve safety, speed, traffic signals, signs and markings, school and neighborhood traffic conditions. The general number is (925) 931-5677.

Community Services Department

The Community Services Department presents a wealth of indoor and outdoor activities, classes, entertainment, services, and facilities to residents of all ages, including programs at the Firehouse Arts Center, Amador Theater, and the recently renovated Dolores Bengtson Aquatic Center. Additional offerings include: facility rentals; preschool; parks, trails, and open space; paratransit; recreational activities for the developmentally disabled; special interest classes; sports; and senior, teen, and youth services. Classes, camps, and activities are listed in the quarterly Activities Guide. Online registration for after-school recreation programs, aquatics, exercise and sports classes, teen activities, and much more is available from the city's web site. Contact the department at (925) 931-5340.

Economic Development Department

The Economic Development Department serves Pleasanton's business community by building a robust and amenity-rich environment that supports the city's residential and commercial citizens. Department staff works to attract new companies and assist in retention and expansion of businesses in the community; grow Pleasanton jobs; serve as ombudsmen through the development services process; enhance the city and Tri-Valley region's innovation ecosystem; and implement the City's Economic Development Strategic Plan. It is a sign of the department's success that in a recent survey, 91% of business executives reported that Pleasanton was a good or excellent location for doing business.

Economic Development also leads the city's participation in Commendable Commutes, a partnership with local employers to help reduce peak hour traffic and air pollution by promoting transportation alternatives. Services include a citywide Guaranteed Ride Home Program, on-site transportation information visits, and the Try Transit Program. All Hacienda businesses with 75 or more employees are eligible to participate in this program. Contact Lisa Adamos, Economic Development Specialist, at (925) 931-5039.

The department participates in a number of regional economic development efforts, including Innovation Tri-Valley. It also oversees an online business directory, a free job website for Pleasanton employers (TriValleyJobs.com), information on starting a business, and an online directory of available commercial space. For more information, call Pamela Ott, Economic Development Director, at (925) 931-5040.

Engineering Services and Construction Services

The Engineering Department, which is comprised of the Capital Improvement Section, Development Services Section, and Construction Inspection Services, designs and constructs public facilities and reviews and inspects public improvements constructed by private property development. The general phone number is (925) 931-5650.

Finance Department

The Finance Department is responsible for the safekeeping, management, and accounting of the city's financial assets. The department provides Pleasanton's financial information to the public, the City Council, the City Manager, and other city departments. It also audits revenue sources; processes cash receipts, payroll, and accounts payable; administers assessment districts and other debt; invests city funds; monitors the budget; and coordinates financial audits.

The Finance Department, which is divided into Administration, Treasury, and Accounting divisions, can be reached by calling (925) 931-5400. Copies of Pleasanton's Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports, Operating Budget, and other documents are available at www.cityofpleasantonca.gov/gov/depts/finance/.

Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department

As an emergency response and community service organization, the goal of the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department is to limit the risk of fire; to limit injury and property damage associated with fire, explosions, hazardous materials incidents, storms or other natural and technological emergencies; to prepare city forces for disaster response; and to better prepare the community for self help in the event of a major disaster.

The Fire Department also conducts a number of fire prevention activities for businesses, including new construction and tenant improvement plan check and inspection and annual fire inspections. A commitment to emergency preparedness is another key focus of the department, which provides a wide range of services for the public. Information about how to prepare for various emergencies can be found on the department's website at www.cityoflivermore.net/citygov/fire/. In an emergency, always dial 911. To contact the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department with questions when emergencies aren't present, call (925) 454-2361.

Library Services Department

The days when libraries were exclusively devoted to books and periodicals are long gone. Now, many of the library's services are accessible via its home page at www.cityofpleasantonca.gov/gov/depts/lib/. Patrons can search the catalog, renew or place materials on hold, and discover library programs and activities. An extensive collection of e-books and audiobooks that can be viewed on almost any computer, smart phone, tablet, or e-reader are also available. The free NoveList Plus service provides comprehensive information about books that includes expert recommendations, reviews, articles, lists and more. Resources are also available for learning a new language, taking standardized tests, and more.

The library also hosts a variety of events for all ages from children to adults. Kids can enjoy everything from magic shows to craft workshops to movie matinees, while grown-ups may prefer the adult book club, the library's free Classic Film Series, or programs offering free resume and employment search help, computer training, or free legal help.

Library cards, free to anyone who resides in, is employed in, or attends school in California, are issued in person at the Reception Desk. Temporary visitors to the state can request a short-term card. For more information, contact the library at (925) 931-3400.

Operations Services Department

Located at 3333 Busch Road, the Operations Services Department (OSD) is responsible for maintaining the city's infrastructure as well as many quality of life services. It oversees a variety of areas related to the delivery and maintenance of utilities and public assets, from streets and storm drains to a dependable water supply as well as facility and fleet maintenance. The general contact number is (925) 931-5500.

The latest program of the Operations Services Department is an ambitious recycled water project which will bring approximately 450 million gallons a year of recycled water via purple pipes to the Hacienda, the Ken Mercer Sports Park, and the Tennis and Community Park. The City will gain an overall 10 percent savings in potable water. For more information about the project, visit to www.PleasantonRecycledWater.com.

Mandatory recycling in Pleasanton has been in effect since March 1, 2013 for businesses and institutions with 4 or more cubic yards of garbage service as well as multi-family properties with 5 or more units. For more information, access www.cityofpleasantonca.gov/business/recycling/.

Police Department

The goal of Pleasanton's men and women in blue is to protect and maintain the city's high quality of life and prevent crime. The department is responsible for enhancing overall community safety and safeguarding the rights of individuals. Pleasanton's Police Department is organized into specialized units and teams, staffed by both sworn and civilian personnel to manage calls for service and facilitate problem solving throughout the community.

The department's website, PleasantonPD.org, has a wealth of information on the Pleasanton Police Department's divisions and programs, including crime prevention for businesses, online reporting of minor offenses, youth services, victims rights' and resources, and the citizens academy. You can also sign up for updates via e-mail and text message on issues such as street closures and traffic advisories. For information or non-emergency calls contact the department at (925) 931-5100. The police emergency number is (925) 931-5122.

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