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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, Apri128, 2008 Page 18 reported, and that pawnshops creating an opportunity for additional thefts and re- lated crime; perceptions that a pawnshop and similar businesses were considered highly regulated functions, increasing the necessity for police calls in the vicinity of a public school, and putting children more at risk; and the perception that the addition of another pawnshop in the community would have a negative impact on city resources, calling for more police activity for monitoring, not just responding to incidents; with one percent of a pawnshop business indicated to be receipt of stolen merchandise, representing a higher percentage than a general business op- eration. Councilmember Pust noted that many talked about the concept of democracy and representative government, opining that she made decisions for residents all the time in the normal City business; and that the citizens had elected the City Coun- cil to make those decisions as their representatives when they weren't available. Councilmember Pust noted that another significant indicator was when people felt strongly about a decision and showed up at a meeting, noting that of the numerous phone calls she fielded, and the many a-mail comments and verbal comments re- ceived, she opined that she needed to listen to those comments; and as a result of those findings listed, and the public's perceptions and concerns, she opined that it was in the best interest of the entire community to vote "no" to the application. Councilmember Pust noted the need for future discussions and review of whether different restrictions for density or other limitations, in addition to proximity to schools should be required, or if additional pawnshops should be allowed in Rose- ville. Councilmember Pust concurred with Mr. Smith as well on scrutiny and regulatory requirements for similar businesses selling secondhand goods. Councilmember Ihlan spoke in support of the motion and in opposition to the CUP approval; and also thanked citizens for speaking and their research, opining that the research should have been performed by the City Council as part of their job. Councilmember Ihlan opined that the denial was a simple matter of common sense, that this was not the location for this type of business, immediately adja- cent to residential properties and a school, and with an apartment complex being redeveloped for affordable housing adjacent to the proposed location, and based on the inability to take away from the context of the neighborhood; their health and safety, and in the heart of the City's retail district. Councilmember Ihlan added to those arguments made by those public speakers; opining that a pawnshop could make the sale of stolen materials potentially easier; and read City Ordinance, Chapter 311, and it's statement of purpose and the iden- tification of a pawnbroker or precious metal dealer business needing higher regu- lations due to the nature of their business, serving to obligate the City Council to deny putting such a business in this location, so close to residential properties, schools and the main retail neighborhood.