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have every right to be there. The truth of the matter is, it sounds to us like they want to throw us out. They want to get rid of us because of some inconvenience. It may be an inconvenience, but we have a right so far in this country to peaceably assemble... And no matter what they think of us, and our religion personally, they know that we are decent people. We are tax paying, we're respectful, and they know we would never do anything against them. We are law abiding citizens." In response to Council questions, Mr. Yackel said the congregations bought the adjacent property about three and a half years ago, not to tear down the building, but use the area in back for a parking lot. The residence is used for traveling ministers who visit congregations in the area. Mr. Yackel said the members of the congregations had talked about the need to utilize the existing parking spaces on their property many, many times, although fire codes prohibit packing cars in the back and along the sides. He said with three members to a car "in theory, all the members of (two of) the congregations could park in back in the proposed parking lot." And with the four parking spaces in front of their two properties, virtually all of the cars could be clustered on or in front of their property. Ernest Brede, 1329 St. Francis Street, Redwood City, said, members do not arrive or leave all at the same time, and "We don't really feel there will be a congestion problem before or after the meetings." He said they were really trying to appease the neighbors with this proposal. He said most of the neighbors have moved in after 1978 when he began attending meetings, and at that time it was a very friendly neighborhood. He described how he had helped the neighbors through his general contracting company. Mr. Brede said it has been the last few years that problems have arisen with some newer neighbors. He described some of the unhappy situations that have occurred. Mr. Brede said the whole purpose of the parking lot was to alleviate these bad feelings, and that is why they were so shocked when opposition arose to their proposal. Mayor Hartnett asked if anyone else wished to speak. No one came forward. 4. Close public comments; MIS: HOWARDIRUSKIN TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE AND THE HEARING CLOSED AT 9:50 P.M. MINUTE ORDER NO. 96-120 5. Council action; In response to Council questions, Associate Planner Bonte advised that rnost churches in Redwood City were in residential areas. Senior Planner Passanisi said this was a unique situation. The City seldom received complaints about other churches, partly because other churches had sufficient on-site parking. In response to questions regarding setbacks, Planner Passanisi said again this was an unusual situation, because of the small size of the parcel on Iris Street. He said most other REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTE BOOK NO. 55 JUNE2,1997 MINUTES Page No. 376 PAGE 20