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154. Regular Meeting November 27, 2000 Page 5 reason for excessive litter in the neighborhood. John Diaz stated he is supportive of alcohol being sold at this restaurant. He stated he had been born in this neighborhood and now had a business located nearby. He stated his business also has litter that has to be picked up. Mr. Diaz stated ever since this building first opened as a restaurant, they have served alcohol. Mr. Diaz said if there is litter from the restaurant, the restaurant should volunteer to pick it up. Clayton Stone, representing the Ramirez family, stated they have worked for 3-1/2 months revitalizing this building. He stated there have been other restaurants located here selling alcohol. Mr. Stone stated this will not be a bar, but a restaurant and will add tax base to the City. He stated the business has a commercial service to pick up its trash and they will clean up any litter. Mr. Stone stated the premises will be kept clean, and that the Ramirezes, a mother and son, have worked hard with their restaurant business. John Garcia stated he wants to keep bars out of the neighborhood. Brad Gulick urged the Council to approve this application. He stated it was part of the Ramirezes' business plan, and that alcohol had previously been allowed to be sold there. He stated as a businessman in San Marcos, he would have concerns if the City decided to change the rules for the Ramirez family. Richard Ramirez, one of the owners of the Lalos Restaurant, stated it would be hard for their restaurant to compete without the sale of alcohol, and that food will remain their main business. He stated they had no plans to hold Super Bowl, etc. types of parties and would close between 10:00 and 10:30 p.m. during the week and 11:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Rachel Barnes stated she lives in the neighborhood and is in favor of this request. She stated she has been to the restaurant and wants to be able to have a drink with her meal. No one else wished to speak, so Mayor Chiu closed the public hearing. Mr. Moseley referenced the citizen petition the Council received. Mr. Doiron queried Mr. Ramirez how many servings of alcohol would be allowed per customer, and Mr. Ramirez responded their staff would attend TABC classes and learn how to control the amount of alcohol a customer could have. Mr. Doiron asked if a trial period could be granted, and Mr. Taylor responded yes. Mr. Ramirez stated he would be willing to sit down with the neighbors and work out their issues. Ms. Hughson asked if the Ramirezes had considered getting the specific use permit first. Mr. Ramirez responded that being new to San Marcos, he was unfamiliar with San Marcos rules and did not know he needed more than the TABC permit that he was transferring from another City. Ms. Hughson stated the trash was probably from people emptying their cars rather than from the restaurant itself. Mr. Doiron stated he wants to allow a 60-day trial period. Mayor Chiu stated he thought they needed to be given a year trial period. Ms. Tatum stated she would want their permit taken away from them if there are issues, and Mr. Doiron and Ms. Tatum both stated they do not want to compromise the neighborhood, but it was unfair to restrict this restaurant when others were allowed to serve alcohol. Mayor Chiu stated if the Ramirezes can resolve the neighbors' concerns, he has no problem with them serving alcohol. Mr. Cox stated since they already have the TABC license, it would enable the City to provide them a test period, but the concerns of the neighbors needed to be addressed. Mr. Cox stated it is difficult