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