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the same and said that in some instances the things mentioned would fall to the franchisee where in others they would fall to the franchisor. In all instances, 7-Eleven does have the responsibility of monitoring the site's operations. Councilmember Cook-Kallio asked what type of leverage 7-Eleven has to require that the franchisee remedy some of the things mentioned. Mr. Schinman said there is a progressive process, assuming the responsibility falls to the franchisee, with several options available depending on the severity of the violation. Councilmember Brown said the owner of the Valley Avenue location was surprised by the proximity of the proposed project to her own store and asked if this is typically considered appropriate spacing. Mr. Schinman could not say for certain as he specializes in field operations but believed the minimum distance allowed to be something in the one-half mile range. Bob Sanchez, neighborhood resident, shared his support for the project. He said his own children attended Fairlands and, despite its proximity to the school, he believed it to be a good location for the project in part due to the police and fire presence in the area. He suggested that a 7-Eleven in this location would improve traffic, pedestrian safety, and convenience for residents. He also suggested that construction of a pedestrian bridge at Martin to provide access to Fairlands would reduce traffic at the corner of Santa Rita Road and West Las Positas. Matt Wu, neighborhood resident, said he believed traffic would increase as a result of 7-Eleven's expanded product offerings. He expressed concern over the city's ability to enforce the Conditions of Approval, citing several violations related to noise, operating hours and exterior video displays at the nearby Walmart. He said the proposed project, which he strongly opposed, will decrease property values throughout the area. Mr. Hirst said the concerns expressed are understandable but that the conditions for each exist today and will continue to without this project. He stressed that the idea behind the project is to sell more to each customer, rather than to sell to more customers. He said they are hoping for a 10% increase over the 300-330 customers the current store serves each day and do not expect to reach the same operating volume as nearby locations. He noted that the PUD zoning is more restrictive than the current C-N district because it regulates not only the uses but also the design and improvements. He said the applicant is proud of his employees, one of whom has been with him for over 20 years, and asked the Council to evaluate the employees that they meet with their own minds. He requested the Council's support of the project. Councilmember Cook-Kallio asked and Mr. Hirst confirmed that cigarette inventory will also be secured. She also asked and Mr. Hirst confirmed that they still intend to remove the monument sign that currently shields the view of pedestrians approaching the site. Mr. Hirst added that they also recently lowered the height of shrubbery along West Las Positas due to potential visibility impacts. Councilmember Cook-Kallio said she received an email expressing concern that Valero brand coloring at the gas pumps would clash with the orange, green and red colors of 7-Eleven. Mr. Hirst said the gas pump signage would be the corporate colors of Valero while those on the building would be that of 7-Eleven but he did not believe they would clash. Tiffany Driscoll expressed concern that increased traffic at the project would drastically worsen what is already a very difficult pedestrian situation with children headed to and from Fairlands. She said she has lived in the immediate neighborhood since 1976 and is strongly opposed to a convenience store at this location, particularly one that sells alcohol. City Council Minutes Page 17 of 22 November 18,2014