PC 032509 - Laserfiche WebLink

Jeff Renholts stated that he lives right behind Foothill High School and knows what noise is. He addressed the Millers’ statement that the Masons do not attend any of the functions and indicated that while they do not attend the functions, they are on the premises during the time that the event is going on to monitor activity and noise. He noted that several times during the course of the evening, he has walked the perimeter of the property, out to the fence line of neighbors, and in all cases, unless the doors are open, which are closed after 8:30 p.m. or 9:00 p.m. in deference to neighbors, one cannot tell whether there is anything going on in the premises that is any louder than street noise or music playing from somebody’s family room in an adjacent house. He stated that if the noise is noticeable, they require the DJ to turn down the music to an acceptable level. Mr. Renholts noted that up until a few years ago, there was no fence between Hopyard Road and the back street that abuts St. Clare’s property. He added that there was a complete pass-through there as parkland, and while it was a buffer, it was an ideal place for people to gather. He stated that they would constantly find empty beer bottles and other bottles in the bushes on both their and St. Clare’s properties; hence, the blame should not solely be on those using the Lodge. There being no other speakers, Chair Pearce stated that the item would be continued to a future meeting, with the public hearing remaining open. Mr. Dolan clarified that it was the intention of staff to have the noise study conducted by a noise professional at the City’s direction and funded by the applicant, which would not cause any conflict of interest. Commissioner Blank requested that staff provide larger, blown-up site drawings in order that the Commission can properly read them. He further asked that staff review the double door that was permitted but not finaled, as well as its legal standing. Commissioner Fox referred to the January 18, 2009 police call under Exhibit H, noting that there were “600kids in attendance with a line to get in” and inquired what type of occupancy the building had, the maximum number of occupants allowed, what the ingress and egress is, and where the line was out to the roadway. She noted that there were similar noise issues experienced in the past from Toby’s Restaurant and the Marquee, which came to the Planning Commission and the City Council. She recalled that with Toby’s, there was some discussion about soundproofing and automatic shutting doors. She requested that the Chief Building Official be involved in refining the condition regarding the noise attenuation and work in conjunction with the noise study consultant. She further requested that a representative from the Police Department be present when this comes back to the Planning Commission. Chair Pearce continued the public hearing to a future Planning Commission meeting. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, March 25, 2009 Page 9 of 27