CCMIN121906 - Laserfiche WebLink

Craig Gieringer addressed the City Council with concerns regarding the alcohol permit and the hours permitted. He questioned if their permit will include beer and hard alcohol. He noted staff and the developer have worked with some residents in Ruby Hill but he was not included. He referenced a petition by about 14 other residents that are in opposition to the project. He voiced concerns regarding alcohol consumption and possible DUl's affecting residents. He questioned why there needs to be alcohol service at night for large groups and asked what type of studies or analysis has been done on what impact that will have on local residents. Nancy Gieringer addressed the City Council noting she and her husband moved to this area because it was so rural. She commented on the growth of the area and the impacts it has created. She stated her opposition to the project and indicated there is not a need for another events center in the area. Lynn Wallace Naylor, Executive Director of the Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association, noted support of this project. The South Livermore Valley Plan encourages these kinds of events centers that are tied to and extend a winery production facility. She noted, today, they stand strong with 38 bonded wineries, several more soon to be announced. This area is gaining media attention as a place of World Class facilities and winemaking. This project will add one more high-quality project to the region and one Pleasanton can be proud of. Karie Geiger, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Tri-Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau, advised that they will be marketing this facility as a desirable place for meetings, social events, sports events, leisure, travel and general tourism. She expressed her support of this project and urged Council's approval. Dave Perry spoke in favor of the proposed project. He said the applicant is well known and respected within the Ruby Hill community and has been a considerate neighbor. He noted Mr. Callahan's willingness to meet with those members of the community that had concerns with the proposed project. Mr. Callahan met with a smaller group in the community that voiced concerns and accommodated them the best he could to address their needs. Joe Sasek spoke in support of the project and added he owned the Wine Steward store downtown. He noted the applicant's willingness to work with the community and believes the center will be a benefit to the community. Randy Bly felt the project would be good for the businesses in the city and commented on their proven business plan for this facility. He concluded by urging Council to support the proposal. Read Phillips addressed the City Council indicating she is the operator of the Palm Events Center and will, hopefully, be the operator of this new property. She commented on the extensive training of the staff and indicated they have never had alcohol related issues or an accident on their property and are diligent in the way they handle events. They take everything they do extremely seriously. Laura Corthell Wu, a Ruby Hill resident, said Mike Callahan is a great businessman, but his proposed project would be great somewhere else. She voiced concerns with City Council Minutes 8 December 19, 2006