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into consideration the ambient noise from Hopyard Road at the time of each reading or <br />any calibration data from the Radio Shack decibel meter was used. <br />Mr. Schwartz continued that they concur with Conditions Nos. 3 and 4. With regard to <br />Condition No. 5, he stated that he did not believe St. Clare's should have veto power <br />over any events at the Lodge; rather, they would continue to work closely with Reverend <br />Culmer, as they have done in the past, and ensure that everyone is apprised of <br />scheduled events. <br />Mr. Schwartz concluded that they concur with Conditions Nos. 6 and 7 as well. <br />Kevin Keen, a 32 -year member of the Masonic Lodge, stated that he believed it was <br />important for the Commission to recognize that while the police took calls on numerous <br />occasions, not once did they indicated that the Lodge was in violation of any noise <br />ordinance. He stated that he has personally been present when an officer had visited <br />the Lodge after a call was made. He added that the officers had indicated they must <br />respond to these calls and agreed there was no problem. He clarified that this did not <br />mean they have never had noise issues and agreed that the "Naughty and Nice" event <br />was a problem. <br />Mr. Keen stated that the Masons are planning the Lodge's 30th Anniversary celebration <br />this summer and had just spent $25,000 replacing the air - conditioning units. He added <br />that they have also invested money putting in grease traps, walk -ins and other <br />improvements. <br />Mr. Schwartz stated that Lodge's calendar of events is available on -line to the public at <br />"www.atastefulaffair.com /calendar." He indicated that it was important for them to do <br />what is best for the City, that they want to get along with neighbors and the Church, and <br />that there is no intention to hurt or bother anyone needlessly. <br />Craig Bell, Officer at Masonic Lodge and a Pleasanton resident, pointed out three <br />factual mistakes in the staff report: (1) The caterer's name is "A Tasteful Affair" and not <br />"A Tasteful Event "; (2) He respectfully questioned Mr. Miller's qualifications to measure <br />decibels and the equipment he uses; and (3) The report states that 47 non -Lodge <br />events have been held between January 2008 and 2009. Mr. Bell stated that they have <br />had numerous events, both sponsored and not sponsored by the Lodge. <br />With reference to the Conditions of Approval, Mr. Bell stated that it needs to be crafted <br />such that everybody concerned agrees to it, in language that is extremely specific and <br />accounts for everything. With respect to a condition that "No events open to the public <br />at large should be allowed," he stated that the Lodge is a polling place, which includes <br />the public at large. He added that when St. Clare's underwent remodeling of its <br />preschool last year, the school rented some space from the Lodge, and a fee is charged <br />for the conduct of the school. With respect to the condition that "No advertising of a <br />social event shall be allowed," he inquired if this was for non - Lodge- sponsored social <br />event. He noted that the Lodge notifies all members via the Internet and U.S. Mail of <br />EXCERPTS: PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, March 25, 2009 Page 4 of 7 <br />