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DRAFT continue. He then set a decibel reading meter at 65 decibels and played music to that level so the Commission could experience the music that they are exposed to. Andrew Shaper stated that he lives two blocks from Barone's Restaurant and indicated that while he has been very supportive of many Downtown activities, he questioned precedence and consideration. He indicated that he understands the need for a viable commercial establishment but that the area has also been a residential neighborhood for 150 years. He noted that he did not want to see the economy used as a leverage point to set a precedent that makes the Downtown singularly a nightlife draw with no respect for the neighbors. He also cited similar problems with events at the Fairgrounds. He then asked the Commission to consider what it can do to support the Downtown and allow music only inside the building due to noise impacts of outdoor music to neighbors. Jack Bras stated that he received an email from the Chamber of Commerce asking people to come to the meeting and support Barone's, and that he replied with a statement that Barone's has played music so loud that it constituted a noise nuisance to him at Pleasanton Heights three miles away. He indicated that has never had a problem until the last few years with a noise explosion from Barone's, the Concerts in the Park, the Fairgrounds booking groups that believe people are hard of hearing. He noted that if Barone's is allowed to play music until 10:00 p.m., it should be monitored between 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., and if they are not conforming to the decibel rating, they should revert to 9:00 p.m. Stacey Blaney stated that she owns a business in town and does not live far from the Downtown. She spoke about the family enjoyment of having activities and vitality in the Downtown which support businesses. She indicated that she knows the police monitor the level of music at the Concerts in the Park. She added that she has attended two of Barone's events in the back patio and feels they have been conscientious about neighbor impacts. She indicated her support for holding music until 10:00 p.m. and having events during the week. Diane McRae stated that she has been a resident and business owner for 13 years. She indicated that she lives closer to Foothill High School and is often awakened by the high school band and garbage trucks every Tuesday morning. She stated that she personally wants to see a Downtown that is successful and alive with music and believes it is important for property values. She invited everybody to visit Barone's and enjoy the atmosphere. Mark Dunlap stated that he noticed that there are about 20 to 30 local people working at the restaurant and believes that the restaurant provides employment in a tough economy. He added that the restaurant's increasing popularity would help those working there. Charles Hunter stated that he has lived on St. John Street only yards opposite the Barone's parking lot for the last 15 years and expressed his opposition to the Barone's DRAFT EXCERPTS: PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, 8/12/2009 Page 5 of 17