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Commissioner Fox noted that smaller stores included customer services such as delivery <br />and assistance to the parking lot. She believed those services would disappear if "big <br />box" stores were to dominate the market. <br />Commissioner Maas believed that competition in the retail sector was beneficial. <br />Commissioner Sullivan believed that there was a difference between fair and unfair <br />competition. He believed that government had an essential role in the discussion and <br />implementation of social issues. He believed that when taxpayers paid a lower price for <br />an item, they ultimately paid more for infrastructure, health care, and other community <br />benefits derived from tax revenue. He did not believe the affordability issue was the <br />biggest issue in this case. He believed that Wa1Mart paid some benefits to managerial <br />staff but that many employees did not get benefits; he added that class action lawsuits had <br />been filed to gain benefits. He believed that economic operation on a level playing field <br />would be better for the community and supported a discussion of a living wage. <br />Commissioner Sullivan moved to recommend that the City Council agendize a <br />public hearing and have a discussion on enacting a "big box" ordinance in the City <br />of Pleasanton, not as part of the General Plan Update. <br />Commissioner Kameny seconded the motion. <br />Commissioner Maas expressed discomfort with the notion of telling the City Council <br />what it should discuss. She prefers a consensus of the Commission, not a motion. <br />Commissioner Sullivan believed that a recommendation from the entire Planning <br />Commission may carry more weight than that of an individual Councilmember. He <br />would not request any additional staff reports. <br />ROLL CALL VOTE <br />AYES: Commissioners Kameny, Sullivan. <br />NOES: Commissioners Arkin, Maas, and Roberts. <br />ABSTAIN: None. <br />ABSENT: None. <br />The motion failed. <br />Commissioner Maas advised that she did not feel comfortable with making such a <br />recommendation to City Council and would support a statement of consensus by the <br />Commission to urge the City Council to have the same discussion at such time it deemed <br />appropriate. She believed the motion was more formal than she would have preferred. <br />Chairperson Roberts suggested that the Minutes of the Planning Commission's discussion <br />be forwarded to City Council, which detailed the arguments regarding a "Big Box" <br />Ordinance. <br />PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES February 11, 2004 Page 15 of 19 <br />