Licensing Board

Licensing Board Minutes July 1, 2020 7/1/2020 - Minutes 1. Call to Order Meeting was called to order at 12:00 PM by Chairman Rogato 2. Roll Call Chairman Jim Rogato, Chief Kirk Beattie (Fire), Captain Al Graton (Police), Captain Michael Finogle 3. Recording Secretary Hilary Young 4. Acceptance of minutes from previous meetings 4.A. June 3, 2020 Draft Minutes Minutes of the June 3, 2020 meeting were reviewed by the board and accepted as presented. 5. Licensing Review Chairman Rogato took the agenda out of order bringing items 5.E. IV- Potts Harbor Lobster Inc and 5.F. IV- Winni Wagon LLC first. Chairman Rogato entertained a motion to approve 5.E. and 5.F. Motion was made by Chief Kirk Beattie and seconded by Captain Michael Finogle. Chairman Rogato presented the four items regarding The Big House and Tower Hill Tavern. He addressed the audience as he had assumed everyone was here regarding the noise complaints towards The Big House and Tower Hill Tavern. Chairman Rogato asked the audience to speak. Anthony Santagate, owner of both establishments, stated that The Big House has stages inside and outside and Tower Hill Tavern has entertainment on both floors of the building and outside. Anthony Campo asked what the exact complaints were before they responded. Ethan Wood, representing Brames, stated what the Tower Hill Tavern site plan approval from 2013 was. He stated that the site plan approval does not have approval for Outdoor Loudspeaker. Megan, General Manager for Tower Hill and The Big House, stated that they are abiding all laws and ordinances. She stated that the cops came only a couple times during 2019 and that they had police every day in the month of June 2020 because of noise complaints. She stated that they would turn down the music when asked. She also stated that they close the doors and windows at 11 PM as that is what is required in their site plan approval. Captain Al Graton responded to Megan, stating that the site plan approval states that the doors and windows at Tower Hill Tavern need to be closed at all times. Dean Trefethen, head of the Laconia Planning Department, addressed the board regarding 264 Lakeside Drive. He stated that in 2013 a sound consultant was referred to the property of which is where the conditions for approval for 264 Lakeside Drive came about. He stated the conditions are: to prohibit sound audible from 50 feet from the building, all windows and doors closed, operations for live music to end at 10 pm Labor Day to Memorial Day and end at 11 pm Dean Trefethen, head of the Laconia Planning Department, addressed the board regarding 264 Lakeside Drive. He stated that in 2013 a sound consultant was referred to the property of which is where the conditions for approval for 264 Lakeside Drive came about. He stated the conditions are: to prohibit sound audible from 50 feet from the building, all windows and doors closed, operations for live music to end at 10 pm Labor Day to Memorial Day and end at 11 pm Memorial day to Labor Day and that insulation be installed. He also stated that the Noise Ordinance is enforced by the Police Department. The State has restrictions because of Covid and that they have temporary approval for outdoor seating. Chairman Rogato asked Megan if the conditions had been met with insulation. Megan, stated that sound board was installed in 2013 but not insulation. Nicole Lemire, stated that she is a neighbor for the last 7 years, and is at least 150 feet from the above mentioned establishments. She has also worked for other businesses on Tower Hill. She knew moving to the Weirs that there would be noise and that it is a tourist attraction. She deals with Motorcycle Week as it is only one week a year. The stage at The Big house is more in the residential area of the Weirs than the commercial part. She does not mind the noise but believes the outdoor loudspeaker is getting out of hand. She welcomed Anthony to come to her front porch while the music is on to see how loud it really is from her home. Alison Hildebrand, stated that she lives in the Weirs, and is part of the Weirs Action Committee. She stated that all potential buyers should do research on the Weirs before you move here. She compared an airport to the Weirs. Stating you shouldn't move near an airport because you will hear the airplanes, just like if you move to the Weirs, you will hear the noise. She also stated that it is a commercial area. Bill H, a current resident of Moultonborough, stated that he is currently purchasing a property here in the Weirs. He is moving specifically here because it is where there are things to do. He stated that if anyone is looking for a property they should buy his home in Moultonborough where there is nothing to do and it is quiet. Dennis G, resident of Foster Ave, stated that the main issue coming from the above businesses is the volume. Wade Burchell, owns multiple properties in the Weirs, stated he has spoken to Anthony about his concerns and that Anthony is always open and honest with him. His main concern is the profanity in the music playing, and requests that it be in the conditions that profanity is not allowed. He also spoke about decibel levels and that is O.K. with the times in the current site approval. Charlie St. Clair, stated that the Weirs is defined as Commercial Resort. He compared the Colorado Club in the 60's to Tower Hill and The Big House. There was a discussion with the board about volume control. Questioning how many decibels is too much. Anthony Campo addressed the board again. He stated that he was in favor of Anthony Santagate and his businesses. Joe Driscoll, owner of multiple properties in the Weirs, stated that the noise has increased and it sounds like the speakers are at his front door. He also stated that he doesn't mind it, but sometimes he would like to listen to his own tune. Also questioned what OSHA would think of the decibels and if their employees would need ear protection. Jamie Merriam, Owner of The Dive, stated that Tower Hill is not a competitor and that their businesses complement each other. Mike Ames, from the Half Moon, stated that the music is not loud and that it is super loud. It is on  the decibels and if their employees would need ear protection. Jamie Merriam, Owner of The Dive, stated that Tower Hill is not a competitor and that their businesses complement each other. Mike Ames, from the Half Moon, stated that the music is not loud and that it is super loud. It is on a total different level. He typically did not have an issue if he could not hear the music from Cabin 1, which is about 300 feet from Tower Hill. He can now hear the music throughout his property. Robert Ames, from the Half Moon, stated that families come to stay at their cottages and that they had two check out because they could not sleep because of the noise. Chairman Rogato addressed Anthony regarding all of the concerns. He stated that now that he is aware of problems being voiced by your neighbors, what can you do about it? Anthony responded that he will insulate, finish putting in new windows and install A/C. Chairman Rogato also addressed what he could do about the outside noise coming from his patio. Anthony responded that he just put an 18-wheeler behind the stage to help with the noise, and to potentially build a wall. He stated that the stage at The Big House faces towards the building. Chairman Rogato asked Anthony what he could do for the upcoming 4th of July weekend and to get together with his neighbors to come up with an acceptable compromise for all concerned. Chairman Rogato asked if we could meet next week to review the progress. 5.A. Ent- Big House 5.B. OLS- Big House 5.C. ENT- Tower Hill Tavern 5.D. OLS- Tower Hill Tavern 5.E. IV- Potts Harbor Lobster Inc 5.F. IV- Winni Wagon LLC 6. New Business 7. Other Business 8. Unfinished Business 9. Adjournment Chairman Rogato recommended that the meeting be continued to July 9th contingent on the room being available. He entertained a motion to adjourn. Motion was made by Captain Graton and seconded by Chief Beattie. Motion passed unanimously. Unanimously adjourned by 1:30 PM.