McHenry Times

Village of Port Barrington Board of Trustees met May 22.

Here is the agenda provided by the board:

President Yeaton called to order the Special Committee Meeting of the Board of Trustees at 7:03pm. The following Trustees were present: Trustees Cillo, Corrigan and Vogeler. Trustee Thomasson, Grothendick and Herstedt were absent. In attendance was also the owners of the Broken Oar and Hermann’s Rest-A-While. Concerned citizens were in attendance as volunteers and by invitation. All were considered members of the Committee for the purpose of input on the Noise Ordinance.

President Yeaton stated that the purpose of the Committee Meeting was to advise the Board and for open discussion. The Committee makes the decisions, but is seeking input and feedback from the Community on the subject of the Noise Ordinance.

Trustee Vogeler recapped previous discussion to state that Seasonal permits and Special permits were intended but no dates were established for Seasonal. A Special permit would be classified by extra tents, higher attendance capacity and rental equipment.

There was discussion of the issue of off-site parking and the potential need for police presence, emergency plans and sanitary needs.

President Yeaton called for the Board to define the Season. Bonnie Miske Haber stated that defining Special permits solves differentiating from regular business. Events were cancelled at the Broken Oar until the sound wall could be installed. If a Season must be defined she requested April – October.

President Yeaton stated that the Village must have a Special Event Ordinance and it is currently defined as more than 50 people. Defining a Season would allow no need for a permit if the capacity is under 250. There was then discussion of the recommended dates of April – October. Bonnie stated that on Sunday the bands are done by 6pm.

President Yeaton stated that the McHenry County Ordinance could be incorporated.

There was then discussion about the Lake County Marina where permits are issued for events that do not assume liquor consumption, but it is occurring. Trustee Vogeler asked if Lake County could get a Seasonal permit but a liquor license must be issued if liquor is being served. President Yeaton stated the Village should have two ordinances. One for homeowners with gatherings under 50 people and another for bars with greater attendance.

Trustee Vogeler stated his opinion that only those who hold a current yearly liquor license should be eligible for a Seasonal permit.

There was consensus that the Season should be defined as May 1st through September 30th. In October, as off-season, a special permit would be required for events. Halloween, River Shiver and other dates, including Thanksgiving would be issued special permits. In-Season any event with extra equipment not normally used would require a special permit. There was then discussion of car shows and where alcohol could be consumed.

Bonnie stated that the Broken Oar installed custom made sound absorbing walls with the assistance of a sound technician. Snare and base traps were installed to control sound projection. She intends to talk to the bands individually about sound projection.

Two residents reported there is improvement to the volume.

The decision was made to not define decibels and just limit hours and dates and distance from the lot line in the noise ordinance.

President Yeaton will convey the information to the Village Attorney and a revised ordinance should be available to consider and discuss at the next Committee Meeting.

The meeting was open to the floor at 8:07pm. No questions or comments were heard.

Trustee Cillo motioned to adjourn. Trustee Corrigan seconded. Roll call was taken: 4 Ayes with President Yeaton included, 0 Nays, 3 Absent. Motion approved.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:08pm.

https://www.portbarrington.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/2019-May-18-Special-Committee-Meeting-Noise-Special-Events.pdf