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DRAFT Michael Knuppe stated that he owns the properties formerly known as Kimberly Commons and that one of his tenants has expressed concern about the noise. He stated that this tenant, who owns the Sunol Nursery and is up at 4:00 a.m. to be at work by 6:00 a.m., has given notice that he will leave if there is noise until 11:00 p.m. Mr. Knuppe stated that he felt a compromise can be developed that works for everyone. He suggested that more work go toward the TIPS program and presented Mr. Barone a glass that he found in his bushes. Blaise Lofland stated that he has been in business since 1986 and supported Barone's request to extend hours for entertainment. He cited the importance of having an opportunity for entertainment and added that it would be great to make everybody happy 100 percent of the time, but that compromises can be made to work. Mr. Lofland stated that he believed the part of town which would impact the least amount of people was Barone's Restaurant and the Pleasanton Hotel. He indicated that he has heard comments regarding noise from the Fairgrounds, from barking dogs, and from parking lot noise, but that he fully supported the request and enjoys the benefits Barone's has to offer. Kevin Gallagher stated that he lives on First Street across from the Farmers' Market and that he hears the Concerts in the Park, the Farmers' Market, movies in the park, and soon the Firehouse Theater, the reasons he moved to the Downtown. He indicated that he felt the City was losing patrons to Livermore, Walnut Creek, and Danville. He added that living Downtown has some impacts but that none affect him on a regular basis. He noted that he starts his days between 3:30 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. but that the positive aspects far outweigh any negatives from living Downtown. He stated that he felt Barone's is a great opportunity and is Pleasanton's chance to make the Downtown vibrant. He stated that he gets offers from friends to rent rooms just to be Downtown and noted that comments he has heard from people over the years is that the town closes early, which is a negative. He stated that consistent updates must be done for generating business and he asked the Commission to approve the proposal. Scott Raty stated that there was no greater adverse impact than the railroad that runs behind residential units. He agreed the recession has been difficult and felt the Barone's have seized on an opportunity. He noted that people are not traveling or going to destinations, but are looking for entertainment and value closer to home. He added that the City has a unique opportunity to further the Downtown for entertainment and that he supported the Barones for leading the way. He stated that he felt they bring not only a restaurant business but also their home next door, which is a double investment. He urged the Commission to support staffs recommendation and approve the request. Jenny Boyd stated that a better compromise is to have music on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. She suggested a new idea that the Barones build a hall with proper soundproofing which would allow music until later hours. DRAFT EXCERPTS: PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, 8/12/2009 Page 8 of 17