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Mayor Hosterman opened the public hearing. <br />Jan Batcheller addressed the Council concerning Safeway's corporate culture, urged the <br />Council to accept the staff recommendation and any changes would not necessarily be <br />improvements, and increase cost to the City and the applicant. <br />Andrew Zink addressed the Council concerning his support of the Safeway project and said they <br />look forward to its development. <br />Dan Watson addressed the Council concerning his support of the Safeway project and said they <br />look forward to its development. <br />Justin Hawbaker addressed the Council concerning his support of the Safeway project, noting <br />that the store will be ideally located for his convenience. He also cited the attractiveness of <br />providing jobs to the community. <br />Tim Shalk addressed the Council concerning his support of the Safeway project, said his wife <br />was instrumental in bringing the First Wednesday's downtown, said they believe this is a great <br />project for the South Pleasanton community, and acknowledged the dedicated work of City staff. <br />Karla Brown addressed the Council concerning her support of the Safeway project, asked that <br />the corporation look at employing local trades and businesses, said the San Ramon Whole <br />Foods is a competitor to this store, and she will be happy not to have to drive further for <br />organics. She acknowledged that the building will be LEED certified, asked that electric charge <br />stations be located at the closest parking spaces to the building, and asked that trees be at least <br />larger than 5 gallon size. Lastly, the Planning Commission discussed types of stores that could <br />go into the center, one of which was a smoke shop and she asked that it be eliminated. <br />Scott Raty addressed the Council concerning his support of the Safeway project on behalf of the <br />Chamber of Commerce, thinks it is a great opportunity, noted Safeway was recognized earlier in <br />the year for their philanthropic work, and feels the project will bring jobs to town and help the <br />local economy. <br />The Mayor closed the public hearing. <br />Councilmember Cook - Kallio disclosed she met with Scott Trobbe and representatives and <br />previewed the presentation shown tonight. She appreciates the outreach to Councilmembers, <br />attention to detail, and particularly the walk ability of the site and its attractiveness. She thanked <br />them for their LEED certification, attention to green building, and made a motion to approve the <br />project with staff's recommendation. Vice Mayor Thorne seconded the motion. <br />Vice Mayor Thorne supported the project, said the traffic study and visuals were well done, and <br />he thinks Safeway most likely sells cigarettes and cigars, and he did not see a need for a <br />tobacco shop in the center. He asked that this be removed from the allowable uses in the <br />motion. Councilmember Cook - Kallio agreed with its removal as an allowable use. <br />Councilmember Sullivan asked to look at the issue of what jobs the project might bring, which <br />may impact other businesses in town. He said the proposal is very much like what the second <br />Home Depot project was about. Having two Safeway Stores in Pleasanton will bring them to a <br />45% market share of grocery sales. In addition, sales from this store will result in 20% or greater <br />loss in sales to the existing grocery stores in Pleasanton, some of which are locally owned <br />City Council Minutes <br />Page 8 of 13 October 19, 2010 <br />