Garfield Town Board Meeting & Noise Ordinance Public Hearing
February 23, 2022
Present: Chairman: Ed Gullickson
Supervisor: Don Mork
Supervisor: George Stroebel
Clerk: Sue Knutson
Treasurer: JoAnn Erickson
Public Hearing for Noise Ordinance called to orderby Chairman, Ed Gullickson, at 7:00 pm. Gullickson gave citizens three minutes to address their concerns/comments.
Brian Stugelmeyer stated about his business and asked about the process, how the decibels are measured, and enforcement of ordinance. If law enforcement is called it would put a damper on his business.
Diane Anderson stated that after reviewing the past minutes she commented on them. Also stated that she would like to know what the Town is spending on this ordinance and wasting tax payers money.
Chuck Strumm asked where the Town came up with 80 decibels. How much is the permit? Objects to the ordinance along with his wife.
Sue Olson spoke in favor of the ordinance and gave their reasons why. Olson stated that The Mix Up when they first applied for their license that they stated that they would only have a small band on Sunday afternoons. This has not been upheld by them.
Pat Forsythe is against the ordinance. Forsyeth asked where is the reading going to take place, who is going to do the readings, who is going to be doing the calibrations? Is concerned about having a family bonfire.
Adam Benson, attorney for The Mix Up. Thinks it is premature to having the ordinance. Questioned the 80 decibel level. Who is going to be doing the readings. Thinks that there is a reasonable middle ground.
Liz Seiben handing in a petition objecting to the ordinance. Stated that she planted trees that the Olson’s picked out. Objecting to the 80 decibel levels. Thinks this should be a ballot vote.
Chad Boyd stated that he is opposed to the ordinance.
Nicki Cook is employed by The Mix Up and is opposed to the ordinance. Stated that this ordinance is drafted with prejudice and that the business will loose employees.
Tim Holler is opposed to the ordinance and asked about cattle in the middle of the night.
Hope Flake is employed by The Mix Up and is opposed to the ordinance and stated that it would affect her employment.
Tammy Lyons stated she agrees with what everyone has stated so far.
Jessica Maetzig commented that the ordinance is too vauge and that there needs to be more compromise.
Jerry Lyons commented on a sound barrier.
Peg Gillespie is opposed to the ordinance.
Dan Gillespie is for the young people and is opposed to the ordinance. Like fireworks.
Dale Feyereisen commented on the parking on the road and stated that the Town has not asked for any feedback on this ordinance. Commented on the decibels levels and what some items are.
Carol Reichstadt stated that she didn’t like how the ordinance came about. Commented on the decibel levels and about residents having their own events.
Tim Martinson stated that the Community Club holds events to raise money and the events have a lot of people and is opposed to the ordinance.
Fred Norenberg stated that he thinks the ordinance is biased and is concerned how the levels are going to be measured.
Brian Johnson is wondering how far this ordinance is going to go and stated that the Town is trying to restrict people and is against the ordinance.
Ryan Berg is opposed to the ordinance and stated that the three taverns are places where people go.
Kymmeny Kromer is opposed to the ordinance and stated that she wouldn’t be able to mow her lawn and stated that this is a bias thing.
Judy Friese stated that the noise does not bother her at all and doesn’t know what this ordinance is going to prove and is opposed to it.
Sharon Balow supports all three bars. Hopes to have her daughter gets married at their home and is opposed to this ordinance. The ordinance is trying to get put through during the winter.
Joe Balow is opposed to the ordinance.
Jason Kjeseth commented about the County responding to calls and suggested a quiet time and that all parties work on a revised ordinance.
Mary Kjeseth is opposed to the ordinance.
Pam Ince is opposed to the ordinance and asked about the UTVs on her road and events at the park.
Lon Van Gemert stated that the matter is between two people who should work it out themselves and is opposed to the ordinance.
Michael Piepkorn is opposed to the ordinance and commented on loud music.
Lisa Handrahan works at The Mix Up and is opposed to the ordinance.
Jim Handrahan is opposed to the ordinance.
Justin Becker worked at The Mix Up and is opposed to the ordinance and that the bars depend on the bands for income.
Ed Hagen is opposed to the ordinance and wanted to know how this ordinance is going to be enforced.
David Medina is opposed to the ordinance and stated that there are a lot of factors in regard to the noise level.
Lilly Medina is opposed to the ordinance and does not want to pay for a permit.
Public Hearing Adjourn: Hearing adjourned at 7:58 pm. Carried-unanimously.
Town Board Meeting called to orderby Chairman, Ed Gullickson, at 8:04 pm.
Public Comments: None.
Road Construction Update: Gullickson stated that in April or May the Town will get bids for blacktopping 155th Street and 85th Avenue from 65 to 170th Avenue (half mile). The other two roads that are on the list is 120th Avenue from Kennedy Mill Road and 150th Street and a mile of 90th Avenue from 65 to 155th Street.
Federal & State Road Construction Grant: Gullickson stated that the State has some grants out there that can be used for roads. Gullickson has applied for a grant that can be applied to a couple of roads in the Town. Gullickson stated that the State is requesting preconstruction bids but commented that the Town does their own road construction.
Final Review of Noise Ordinance: Gullickson stated not everyone understood the ordinance and thoroughly read the ordinance. Stroebel addressed some of the questions in regard to the comments at the public hearing. Stroebel stated that there is no fee for a permit and commented on the misunderstandings of a baby crying. Stroebel stated that the decibel level is not at the source but at the complaint’s property and as good neighbors we can work this out. Stroebel stated that there are exemptions for farmers.
Gullickson stated that there have been multiple complaints against The Mix Up. Gullickson commented on the letters from Attorney Adam Benson in regard to The Mix Up and accusations that Gullickson reported her business to the ATF and that Gullickson reported her to OSHA and further stated that these were lies and that he did not report her and that the Board did not report her. Gullickson further read items in the letter. Gullickson stated that the Board has been accused of denying operator licenses and that the Board follows state statutes. Gullickson read portions of the Town’s attorney’s response letter. Gullickson further commented on the numerous emails that the Town received in correspondence to the noise ordinance where nobody addressed the noise issues concerning nearby property issues. Gullickson also stated that at the public hearing that there were only a couple of comments that were concerned about the neighbors and that most of them were pointed at one business. Gullickson also stated that the Town has tried to work with the complainants and the businesses in working on a resolution. Gullickson made a motion to approve the ordinance. Stroebel would like to table the ordinance for a month and be able to sit down the bar owners. Gullickson withdrew his motion. Stroebel stated that a meeting date and time will be announced. Jason Kjeseth commented that the Planning Committee should receive comments and suggestions prior to the meeting and that the public can bring their comments to one of the bar owners.
Motion made by Stroebel/Mork to table the Noise Ordinance to next month. Carried-unanimously.
Sunrise Beach Boat Landing Plan: B32 Engineering is doing up a plan for redoing the Sunrise Beach Boat Landing. The DNR stated that the Town can fill the landing back in to the shoreline and remove the back swirl. Gullickson stated that the Town is working on the permits so that work can be started this spring.
Planning Committee Update – Land Subdivision for Lundmark: Tabled to March meeting.
Other Business That May Come Before the Board: Dave Nelson submitted zoning updates to the Board.
Clerk’s Report: Submitted and reviewed.
Approval of Vouchers: Submitted, signed and approved. Motion made by Stroebel/Mork to approve submitted vouchers. Carried-unanimously.
Treasurer’s Report: Submitted and reviewed.
Approval of Monthly Board Minutes: Motion made by Stroebel/Gullickson to approve the Public Hearing Noise Ordinance and February 23, 2022, Board minutes as submitted. Carried-unanimously.
Adjourn: Motion made by Mork/Stroebel to adjourn meeting, 9:43 pm. Carried-unanimously.
Submitted by: Sue Knutson, Clerk