Two Holland residents who live in close proximity to American Legion Post 646 on Clarion Avenue addressed council about noise issues from a recent legion event.
At the September 6 meeting, Greg Brainard and Ed Raschke of Washington Street spoke out saying the Saturday evening music event was “very loud.”
“It went on for three or four hours,” Mr. Brainard said, and believes the legion shouldn’t be allowed to play music “that loudly” in a residential neighborhood.
He said a police officer informed him that the legion had a permit for a band to perform until 10 p.m., but “I would like something done to avoid this in the future.”
Mr. Raschke contends that the problem stems from the creation of an outdoor patio. Prior to that time, he noted music was muffled since it was indoors. The legion’s patio has resulted in an outdoor entertainment venue.
“This is something new and not appropriate for a residential area,” he said, adding that in the past if music was too loud, it typically was the result of open doors, which police would have closed when they received a noise complaint.
Mr. Raschke pointed out the outdoor music has created a different atmosphere with “loud pulsating music. Add alcohol and people, it gets even louder.” Plus the language being used is vulgar, he said.
Mayor Lee Irons noted the legion has always had a rental hall and a concert is an approved use for the hall and was grandfathered in when zoning was established in Holland.
But he believes, the village can regulate the noise.
Mr. Raschke suggested the legion keep musical activities inside and not on the patio.
Council Ryan Spangler recommended legal counsel review Village regulations to determine what potential violations exist and then write a letter to the post commander informing them of the violations and penalties.
“I believe it is better to have it written in legal form,” he added and council concurred.
New Councilman Council appointed Justin Hoen of Kipling Drive to replace Councilman Terry Nachtrab who stepped down for health reasons.
Councilman Hoen is employed as manager at the Hoen Garden Center. A resident of the village since 2006, he and his wife Heather have four sons. He will have to seek election to the seat in fall 2023.
Mr. Spangler noted that Mr. Hoen was among two individuals who expressed interest in serving the village.
“We are lucky to have someone with his experience on council,” Mayor Irons said. The new councilman was administered the oath of office by village solicitor Paul Skaff.
Other Business
In other business, village council:
•Authorized one-time COVID bonus pay to employees in recognition of their work through the pandemic. Mayor Irons noted a portion of the village’s federal American Rescue Plan Act funds will be used toward the bonuses which total $47,398.
Bonus rates vary depending on employment with fulltime employees receiving $3,000 and part time staff awarded between $750 and $2,000 depending on hours.
•Approved revisions to the technology disaster recovery plan. Councilman Scott Brown explained that the plan was last revised in 2001 and a lot has changed with technology. “The plan went from one to three pages,” he said.
•Appointed Palmer Energy to act on the village’s behalf in a bankruptcy case filed by Volunteer Energy.
Mr. Skaff said the village is an unsecured creditor and has until the end of the month to file a claim. “My recommendation is you appoint Palmer Energy on your behalf,” he added.
Councilman Spangler agreed, “Any funds we get are better than none.”
•Learned that the Spectrum Drive road improvement project has been placed on hold due to rising costs.
The next council meeting will be at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, September 20, at council chambers, 1245 Clarion Avenue, and is open to the public.
