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Mayor Thorne dosed the public hearing. <br /> Councilmember Cook-Kallio reporting meeting with the applicants onsite as well as a representative of <br /> the neighborhood groups and said she appreciated the overall level of engagement. She acknowledged <br /> the number of signatures both in favor of and opposed to the project, but noted several incorrect <br /> references and inconsistencies on both sides and said she struggled with not having the benefit of <br /> knowing what was said to obtain those signatures. She also acknowledged the concerns related to the <br /> safety of children, noise and traffic but said the first and last are pre-existing and the potential noise <br /> impacts seem to be mitigated by the design and Conditions of Approval. She said Lieutenant Bretzing <br /> addressed the issue of crime to her satisfaction. She expressed concern that at least some of the <br /> opposition appears to be related to negative perceptions of the 7-Eleven brand, which is not really an <br /> issue for the Council. She said she believed the applicant has gone out of his away to address the <br /> community's concerns and on balance she is in favor of the project. <br /> Vice-Mayor Pentin largely concurred and also reporting meeting with the applicant onsite. He agreed <br /> that some of the issue appears to be related to perceptions surrounding 7-Eleven. He said that both the <br /> empirical data and the intent and reputation of the owner/operator would seem to mitigate most of what <br /> neighborhood fears will occur. He noted that the project is heavily conditioned and can be brought back <br /> to the Planning Commission at any time and said his own experience on the Commission assures him <br /> that any issues will be addressed as they arise. He acknowledged Commissioner Allen's concern that <br /> the onus to initiate a review would fall to the neighborhood but explained that that is how the process <br /> works. He said he felt the applicant has met the conditions and that he supported the project. <br /> MOTION: It was m/s by Pentin/Cook-Kallio to add the action from the agenda report. <br /> Councilmember Narum said she appreciated all of the comments received. She said that based on the <br /> ability to mitigate noise concerns at the carwash at Bernal and Valley Avenues, the issue of the <br /> carwash is the least of her concerns. She asked if the Vice-Mayor would be willing to amend the motion <br /> to allow alcohol sales starting at 8 a.m. rather than 6 a.m., noting that the applicant admits to not selling <br /> a significant amount between the hours of 6 and 8 a.m. <br /> Vice-Mayor Pentin said the applicant has already modified alcohol sales to less than what is allowed at <br /> other nearby stores and that he did not agree with limiting it any further. <br /> Councilmember Cook-Kallio suggested it was unnecessary, given the acknowledgement that sales are <br /> fairly limited during these hours. <br /> Councilmember Narum said Mr. Tassano addressed the issue of traffic satisfactorily. She said she <br /> could support the project but that, based on the change in zoning and level of concerns expressed, she <br /> would like a written report from staff to the Planning Commission after 6 months of operations. <br /> Vice-Mayor Pentin did not accept the amendment. <br /> Councilmember Brown thanked the community for their input and the petition circulators for their efforts. <br /> In reviewing the signatures, she found that a number of those in favor of the project came from <br /> residents of surrounding cities whereas those opposed to the project were from residents of the <br /> immediate vicinity. She said had no doubts that those who signed either petition did so with enough <br /> information to make an educated decision. With regards to the project's proximity to Fairlands, she <br /> wondered at what point the city would deem a certain location inappropriate for a convenience store if <br /> this was not such an example. She expressed discomfort with staffs fudging of the information and <br /> underrepresentation of school related information. She acknowledged the applicant's commitment to <br /> maintaining an attractive and responsible store but said she was disappointed with the quality <br /> standards demonstrated at the other 7-Eleven locations she visited. She said she did not feel that 6 <br /> a.m. was an appropriate time to begin alcohol sales. She said she could support the concept of a <br /> City Council Minutes Page 18 of 22 November 18,2014 <br />