Residents and neighborhood stakeholders used the council’s public-comment periods to press the council on a contested proposed gas station at Sweetwater Road and Orange Street, public-records production and allegations of undue influence.

Several speakers said the project was inappropriately scaled for the site, that nearby businesses and residents were not properly notified, and that the planning commission had correctly denied the earlier application. “We should not be here except for the delays inadequately responding to the questions the public has been asking,” said Frank Rivera, who said he had followed the planning hearings and notification process.

At one point in public comment the mayor read aloud a written-subject line submitted for the record: “Sweetwater gas station withdrawal application. First sentence, we would like to withdraw our current application for CUP on the development on the corner of Sweetwater and Orange.” That statement was read into the record by the mayor during the meeting.

Multiple commenters alleged undue influence and asked the council to account for communications between developers and city staff or elected officials. Helen Chisholm said businesses in the area were not properly notified under the city’s 660-foot notification practice for nearby land-use applications, and other speakers asked the council to produce records they say remain withheld under claims of privilege.

A Zoom speaker, Alex Gunnerud, asked whether any documents were being withheld on attorney-client or exemption grounds and requested the date of an email relating to when the project was placed “on hold.” Gunnerud told the council he had called the city attorney and sent multiple emails seeking that information. The city did not provide the document dates in open session.

Public commenters repeatedly referenced an active court case identified in closed session as Polanco v. City of National City. The city attorney later reported there was “no reportable action” on that matter after closed session.

The planning commission previously reviewed the project and, according to multiple public commenters, recommended denial. At the meeting several residents said the applicant’s formal submittal had been withdrawn; the mayor read an email subject line into the record stating the application was withdrawn for the CUP at Sweetwater and Orange, while also noting an applicant could refile in the future.

The city did not provide new documents or a formal staff presentation about the Sweetwater site during the special meeting; commenters asked the council to release requested records and to ensure future notifications follow established practice.