At the public forum portion of the Dec. 1 meeting, Jose Mehta, owner of Mehta Motors at 459463 Spring Road, asked the council and staff to explain why updating his existing pylon sign required a conditional‑use process and multiple fees.

Mehta said his contractor estimated a $14,000 cost to replace the cabinet on top of the existing pylon; he listed city‑imposed costs he was told he would face, including a $750 conditional‑use application fee, a $640 procurement fee, certified‑mail/postage to surrounding taxpayers, and an attendance fee of $575 per meeting with up to four meetings listed. "Why is the city charging us extra? What is the justification for that?" he asked, saying the change was cosmetic and that the post would remain the same.

Mayor Scott M. Levin said the council does not respond directly during public comment and that staff would follow up. No action or policy change was decided at the meeting.

Mehta’s comments were recorded for follow up by staff; the transcript indicates a staff contact will be made after the meeting.