CEDAR HILLS — Many Cedar Hills residents packing a city meeting Tuesday say they don't want to be known as a narrow-minded, unfriendly community that cannot tolerate difference.

Speaking during the public comment period of the meeting, residents overwhelmingly opposed the initiatives proposed by a group calling itself the Coalition to Preserve Cedar Hills that would restrict beer sales and sales on Sunday at businesses in the community.

The City Council was to decide Tuesday whether to hold a special election that would include asking voters to approve the two initiatives on June 28.

The city may also let voters decide on that day if the city should refinance $7 million in general obligation bonds for the city golf course.

A decision had not been made as of deadline Tuesday.

Many said they support a new group — which called itself Concerned Citizens for Cedar Hills — that is trying to offer what they call a different view than that of the coalition.

"I'm against the two initiatives that criminalize doing business (on Sunday)," said resident Mitch Richardson. "It will hurt land values and will make non-Mormons feel unwelcome here."

Others said the city has no business legislating morality.

Several who are members of the LDS Church said they can still live the values of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which tells members not to consume alcohol or shop on Sundays, even if a grocery store that sells beer and stays open on Sundays is in the city.

Tara Lynn Wiles, also a resident, said outlawing alcohol and Sunday sales forces LDS values on others. "I'd rather persuade by example," she said, noting that the attitude of some in the community have discouraged a few retailers from considering locating in Cedar Hills.

"Associated Foods, Allens, and Albertsons have turned us down. We turned away Wal-Mart and Smith's," she said, "Who's left?"

Most of the residents said they want city services like youth recreation programs and a library in Cedar Hills — but will never have them if there is no tax base.

One resident said that Cedar Hills'Hills taxpayers are double taxed — they pay sales tax in stores in other cities and then pay higher property taxes to make up for a lack of sales-tax revenue.

"I want youth programs. I want services. When people ask me where I live, I say, 'None of your business,' " quipped Jennifer Fisher. "Don't take away my agency. There may come a time in my life when I need to drink."

Here are a few other comments:

"I feel the city needs to go in a different direction," said Cliff Chandler. "We need to take control of our city again."

"This is very embarrassing that this has become such a big issue," said Kirsten Spencer.

"Property rights have been trampled on," said Brent Keil.

A member of the coalition, Gary Duncan, said he understands that people have differing opinions but he appreciates the council offering the citizenry the opportunity to have their say.

He said 80 percent of those approached about the initiatives were in favor of a special election.

"We believe there are businesses that will come to the city that can come in without asking us to sacrifice our quality of life," he said.

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