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permission to host late evening music and dancing. He suggested that once business owners <br /> start measuring and recording these sound values, it will become apparent that the current <br /> standard of 60 decibels is excessively low. <br /> Referring to condition of approval No. 8, Councilmember Sullivan asked if that would be a <br /> situation where the Police Department would respond to a complaint with a noise meter. Mr. <br /> Dolan confirmed and said that violation would not be identified otherwise. <br /> Councilmember Sullivan said he supports the idea but it raises additional issues with proper <br /> calibration and use of the meters. He asked if issues with debris would be policed or if those too <br /> would require a complaint before being noticed. Mr. Dolan said the condition, as drafted, would <br /> serve as a requirement that staff could point to in the event complaints were received. He <br /> believed the applicant would do their best to comply with any requirement. <br /> Mayor Hosterman opened the public hearing. <br /> Christine Salidivar, Pleasanton Downtown Association (PDA), requested that the Council <br /> abstain from arbitrarily defining rules and instead allow the PDA to work with the Council in <br /> identifying goals that meet everyone's needs. She said the Responsible Hospitality Institute will <br /> be coming to work with the entire community on developing a set of standards. She cautioned <br /> against setting an unattainable precedent for measuring outdoor sound and concurred with <br /> Vice -Mayor Thorne that current standards may not be reasonable. She found the condition <br /> requiring Redcoats to ensure cleanliness of the surrounding area to be reasonable but noted <br /> that other restaurants exist within the immediate area. She asked that such requirements be fair <br /> and equal to all business participants in the downtown area. <br /> Mayor Hosterman asked when the Council could expect recommendations from the <br /> Responsible Hospitality Institute, and Ms. Salidivar responded it would be March. <br /> Gene Finch said he met with staff and several Council members over the past few weeks and is <br /> pleased with what has taken place thus far. He assured the public he is not looking to restrict <br /> the activities of Redcoats, said he approves of the CUP, and supports all businesses within <br /> Pleasanton. He asked that his concerns regarding the good neighbor policy be respected and <br /> addressed. He believed the issues surrounding patron smoking would be rectified by the <br /> placement of permanent signage and requested that staff ensure compliance of all conditions of <br /> approval subsequent to this hearing. He said each downtown business is unique in its location <br /> and merits and cautioned the Council against developing too specific a set of standards. He <br /> noted that as a resident, he has a right to privacy and quiet enjoyment of his home and said he <br /> would most assuredly oppose any move on the applicant's part to provide outdoor music. <br /> Thomas Kennard said he has worked the weekend bar at Redcoats consistently for the last 2 <br /> years. He said that since Mr. Finch's concerns have come to light, he has taken extra care to <br /> ensure that he and his crew carefully clean the surrounding the area. He noted that on one <br /> event he did leave something outside and said it was a bottle of Celebration Ale, a brand not <br /> carried by Redcoats. He said Mr. Finch has built a lovely home which he has no wish to <br /> disrespect and that he puts forth a concerted effort to keep the site orderly and to close up in a <br /> timely fashion. He said Redcoats owners and staff make every attempt to be good neighbors <br /> and, while some things may slip through the cracks, they are committed to doing their very best. <br /> Peter MacDonald said Redcoats is a major downtown asset whose value will increase with the <br /> approval of this CUP. He suggested that a disclosure covenant like that required for Kimberly <br /> Commons could offer great protection for downtown businesses and should have been <br /> requested with the Finch's apartment. He said that downtowns require music and noise in order <br /> City Council Minutes Page 5 of 9 February 2, 2010 <br />