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Mayor Thorne noted the intent is to allow businesses to expand their list of qualified technicians, but a business cannot have more than allowed by the CUP. It was noted any expansion would need to be within the existing space. In response to Councilmember Brown's question regarding the number of existing businesses with three or less technicians and four or more, it was noted that most are smaller establishments and staff commented on enforcement of the CUP requirements, noting complaints would generate a visit, and there would be surprise inspectiions. Councilmember Olson noted there is a sign review process the establishments would need to meet. In response to Councilmember Narum's question regarding when the Downtown Specific Plan will be adopted, it was noted completion is estimated in spring 2019. Mayor Thorne opened the public hearing. Carolyn Katz, representing seven friends who are massage therapists, spoke in favor of creating small businesses and growing them, noting they want to expand their growth and careers. She added small businesses should be allowed to grow, without so many restrictions, and reported the therapists she knows are ethical and engage in continued training. Upuia Ankiong, Massage Therapist and business owner, reported she is well-trained, educated and a professional small business owner. She felt their voices were not heard and met with City staff to discuss the issues including zoning and banning massage therapists. She expressed appreciation for the modifications made and noted the importance of being able to hire three or four more massage therapists. She referenced 24 massage businesses but noted 13 of those are non-massage-related venues and include spas and chiropractors, noting the importance of correct information. Ms. Ankiong used the City of San Raphael as an example of an urgency ordinance that was not successful and asked Council to give them a chance of running their practices and addressing zoning issues with the Downtown Specific Plan as well as educating Council and the public on their profession. Gina Marie Woodard, Massage Therapist and Educator, noted there are 66 Massage Therapy permits issued but it does mean they are all working at the same time and noted full-time for a Massage Therapist is approximately 20 hours per week because they wear out. Many work only a few days and rotate to different facilities. She commented on rumors and mis-understandings related to Massage Therapists; noted they are not prostitutes and urged Council and the public to stop treating them as if that were the industry norm. Massage therapy offers pain relief and has an important role in health. Ms. Woodard indicated wanting to work with the City to find a way to meet everyone's needs. Wanda Schneider, Massage Therapist, opined the ordinance is misleading as there are not 24 massage establishments in the Downtown Specific Plan area. Massage Therapists are not sex workers, they are professional and provide health care. She added there is no elicit behavior and when there is, it should be addressed, specifically. She asked Council not to punish all massage therapists for the actions of a few. In response to Councilmember Brown's inquiry, Ms. Schneider felt if an establishment is legitimate, it should be allowed to hire more technicians. Michelle Pena, Massage Therapist, reported she helps cancer patients and not being able to add technicians would hurt her practice as they would not be able to help the oncology community. City Council Minutes Page 8 of 10 August 21. 2018