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~,~. ~. Mayor Hosterman opened the public hearing. Eric Pryor said he has known Mr. Pfund for many years, he has taken classes for three years from him, believes the program is fantastic for kids and adults in building self-esteem as well as the practice of martial arts. He was surprised to hear the issue of parking raised as there are always multiple open spaces and he hoped the Council would support the program. Councilmember Sullivan questioned the signature page from the Social Services letter and confirmed it was included in the packet of information provided by Mr. Pfund. Shaibal Dutta said when he and his wife were looking for traditional daycare, they found Mr. Pfund's programs which they believe provides more value to the student. He said the curriculum is centered around physical activities and martial arts, their son has attended the academy for 5-6 months and has structured his school work around the values of the program, there are mentoring opportunities, and he and his wife have seen positive personality changes and confidence in their son as a result. They disagree there are safety issues, parking issues, and supported the use permit and re-opening of Mr. Pfund's business. Tim Nitert said he studied under Mr. Pfund for 10 years beginning at the age of 8, said the martial arts dojo is more than just a school but like a community in and of itself, and all students become an extended family. He said he was always very introverted and shy and over the years has gained confidence, and he believes this also extends to kids participating in the program. Shirley Evans said her son was a student, and that the program teaches integrity, life skills, prepares kids to be young adults, and the program is not one of being watched but one of character-building. Jack Balch, building owner, said he believes the major issue having attended the Planning Commission meeting was truly related to the daycare issue, and not being able to make Finding 2. He said Mr. Pfund is trying to run a business, he has had no formal dealings with the City other than this issue, and he is trying to design a business plan that complies with State law and City requirements the best he can. He appreciated staffs detailed work, feels parking is not an issue, supports the States position for a private recreation operation, said he has an agreement with Mr, Pfund regarding his rent due to his current situation, and asked the Council to move forward with a decision. Sharon Maravior said finding good daycare is challenging, she discussed her son's attendance and the quality of care, support with homework and athletic programming, and she supported the approval of the use permit. Sue Graham said she believes Mr. Pfund is great role model to her son and said her son is no longer shy, has improved self-esteem and physical, emotional and mental strength. Chere Francois said her 5-year old son was enrolled in the program from September to December, she finds Mr. Pfund to be very responsible and consistent every day, is positive and disciplined, and her son has grown in self-confidence and physical strength. She has never experienced a problem with parking and hoped for the Council's support to approve the use permit. Leo Vates said he has been a student of Mr. Pfund, he is a very decent, mature and dependable person, his child and adult programs are excellent, the market has shown there is a need for the program in the City and he did not understand why finding so many non-issues and dragging on the matter had occurred. City Council Minutes, May 6, 2008