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He stated that if the Council did not provide support to continue the item, he was prepared to do so himself, as allowed under Council rules. City Manager Fialho explained that a decision to continue the item to a date certain time would require a majority vote by the Council. The alternative described by Councilmember Sullivan would continue the item to the next regular Council meeting on May 15'". Assistant City Attorney Seto noted that under the appeal process, a Council majority may continue the item for no more than forty (40) days. The Council did not provide support to continue the item. Councilmember Sullivan asked to continue the item to May 15'" and for staff to respond to the points raised prior to that date. Ms. Seto confirmed his ability to continue the item as stated. Councilmember Cook-Kallio reported that the Chamber of Commerce PAC did contribute to her election campaign, as did several unions. She estimated that several of her students had received nominal donations in the form of soda pop from Wal-Mart at some time, none of which was enough to alter her decision one way or another. She said it is not for her to decide to whom a property owner should lease their property. She said the law does not distinguish between those it likes and those it does not. One of the concepts that keep getting lost here is that a PUD really limits the discretion of the Council and, while she has concerns, she cannot prevent a business from operating a use that is allowed by law. Councilmember Thorne reported having received support from the Chamber of Commerce and unions, although he could not be certain about the PAC, and said he has never received any money from Wal- Mart. He said that in his mind, it is a simple matter of determining whether the project is consistent with zoning, General Plan, and PUD regulations; this project appears to comply with all, as indicated by the decisions of the Zoning Administrator and Planning Commission. He said the Council does not have the latitude to base its decisions on the business model that Wal-Mart may choose to use and arguing the integrity of that model does not change the fundamental facts of the issue. Councilmember McGovern acknowledged and respected Councilmember Sullivan's right to continue the item. She said she received no support from the Chamber of Commerce, PAC, unions, or any special interest groups in her last two elections nor has she ever solicited or received any support from Wal-Mart. She said believed in free enterprise, that proposed use is allowed under all the regulations identified, and that the public deserves the right to choose where it spends its money. She also cautioned that while some are worried about the legal implications of allowing Wal-Mart to do business here, a significant lawsuit would likely result if the Council were to unlawfully prevent it. Mayor Hosterman said it is no secret that she has not been in favor with the Wal-Mart Corporation over the years. However, this is an issue of permitted versus discretionary uses and it is clearly a permitted use. Councilmember Sullivan assured the public he would share his full comments on the matter at the May 15`h meeting, provided staff prepares the information he requested. Mr. Filaho stated that information related to financial contributions is readily available through the City Clerk or on the City's website. In regards to the other requests, he explained that Council Policy requires support, as indicated by a motion and vote in the affirmative, on anything that necessitates City Council Special Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 7 May 7, 2012