08-18-2014 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL AUGUST 18, 2014 McGraw suggested that if the business was presented in a way that there were no live music events consisting of 400 to 500 people, the situation would be a lot different. McGraw stated that he did commend Voodoo Live on the security firm that they have been considering hiring as from what he could learn, they are one of the best in the area. McGraw indicated that he attends many events at which high school children are in attendance, and indicated that from his experience there is no way to control noise coming from large crowds of people. Kovaleski agreed stating you cannot put a muzzle on everyone. McGraw noted the architect's comments at the Planning Commission that essentially said that given the train noise in the area, the addition of the noise generated by the live music venue would not make much of a difference. McGraw pointed out the $1.4 million in improvements that the City is undertaking to get quiet zones for the railroad crossings established in the City in order to improve the quality of life for adjacent neighborhoods. McGraw felt it would be counter-productive to stop the train whistles but then allow a live music venue in this area. McGraw also noted that the architect discounted the resident properties on the south side of Little Canada Road given the City's goal to remove these homes. McGraw noted that it is known by these property owners that the City would like to acquire these properties at a time that the property owners are comfortable in selling to the City. McGraw indicated that the quality of life of the residents on the south side of Little Canada Road should not be negatively impacted just because at some time in the future the City wants to purchase these homes for green space. Houwman indicated that these comments were made by him in reference to the City's Comprehensive Plan. Houwman acknowledged the money the City is spending to get quiet zones established. He pointed out, however, that once a quiet zone is established, the train whistles will stop, but noise generated by the train cars themselves will not stop. McGraw pointed out that the City has very little if any control over the railroads, it is the Federal Railroad Authority that has this control. McGraw noted that the City does have control over the issuance of a PUD Permit that would allow a live music venue, however. David Dorn reported that his grandmother lives in The Mayfield, the senior apartments just north of this site. His grandmother has indicated that the noise from the trains does not present a worry for her, but the noise from people leaving a live music venue is of concern. Dorn expressed concern with the hiring of an outside security firm to police the live music venue, indicating that if the firm does not do its job, Voodoo Live will place the blame on the security company and just hire another one. Dorn felt there was no way to control 250 to 500 people especially 17