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sold. As to the condition that “The use of the outdoor area should be concluded no later than 9:00 p.m.,” he requested that this be extended to 10:00 p.m. for a Friday or Saturday night. As regards the Condition No. 5; he stated that the Lodge has events that are not scheduled within 30 days and cited, as an example, a memorial service for a recent death. Finally, he indicated that he did not support the Church having veto power over the Lodge’s activities. Kenneth Hamm stated that he is a new member of the Lodge and a member of the Valley Trails Homeowners Association.He indicated that they have all been good neighbors over the years. With respect to the noise, he stated that he regularly walks the Pleasanton Sports Park where there are softball games as late as 11:00 p.m. He noted that he can hear their cheers from his backyard, just like he hears the football games at Foothill High School. He indicated that he is also a member of the Good Guys Car Club, which will hold an event this weekend, and Hopyard Road can be quite loud when they are in town. He cited that noise from traffic, blaring radios, and events around Hopyard Road will always affect those who live close by. He added that he believed there were noise regulations and guidelines already in place for events held at the Senior Center, Veterans Hall, and Century House. Michael Miller characterized the noise situation as starting in one place, creeping along, and ending some place else. He stated that he and his wife, Darlene, had spent a lot of time trying to understand the situation at the Lodge, why a good relationship with the Masons for so many years had deteriorated so dramatically in the last few years. He noted that looking at the Planning Commission and permitting process language for the building back in 1977, it appeared that the Masons wanted a building with some sort of commercial use that would generate noise and activity, and because it abuts right up against a residential area where residents would be impacted, the Masons agreed to keep all noise inside and not allow any outdoor activity. He added that at the ensuing Design Review Board hearing, the conditions of the building design approved by the Board indicated that no openings would be allowed on the north or west side of the building, and all activities were to focus on the south side, with noise to be contained from within. Mr. Miller stated that the Lodge had been good neighbors for many years, until the building was changed three years ago and doors were installed on the north side of the building and landscaping added. He noted that it was at this point that he and his wife began hearing loud noise and seeing a lot of activity. He stated that at one time, their house began to shake and thump from a party at the Lodge where there were about 30 to 40 people and music was blasting, violating the noise ordinance. Darlene Miller added that they felt the vibration with their doors and the Lodge’s doors closed and with their heater on. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, March 25, 2009 Page 7 of 27