MINUTES OF THE COMMUNITY WORKSHOP OF OCTOBER 17, 2012, REGARDING SOUND/NOISE AND LIVE MUSIC PRESENT: Commissioner Paul Caragiulo Commissioner Caragiulo called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. 1. INTRODUCTION Commissioner Caragiulo welcomed the attendees and stated that the Community Workshop is to discuss sound/noise and live music in the Downtown area; that his role is to serve as facilitator for a community discussion concerning the topic; and referred to Ordinance No. 03-4416, included in Chapter 20, Sarasota City Code, regulating sound in the City. 2. DISCUSSION RE: SOUND/NOISE AND LIVE MUSIC IN THE DOWNTOWN AREA (AGENDA ITEM I) Commissioner Caragiulo explained the regulations concerning measurements in the regulations which is in decibels (dB) as measured on the A-weighting scale (dB(A)) and the C-weighting scale (dB(C)); gave examples of different levels of dB(A); and stated that the number of noise complaints and citations reported are: Year Complaints Citations 2010 224 63 2011 262 29 2012 155 Commissioner Caragiulo played examples of different sound levels. Attendees spoke and raised the following: complaints against certain establishments the positive atmosphere created by live music the reduction in the number of live music venues due to restrictions the number of live-music venues which have gone out of business the process of adopting Ordinance No. 03-4416 the acceptance of anonymous complaints the measuring source as the person making the complaint events/festivals with live music - the economics of the discussion regarding live music an active night life to draw young people Downtown - allowing businesses and artists to make money while not offending others - creating a middle ground and compromise in the discussion - building a new economy around live music - concerns of property owners in the Downtown an appeal for an abatement on property taxes - a vibrant Downtown which existed about 10 to12 years ago music as a celebration of life citations written on restaurant owners - creation of a level playing field violations based on non-amplified music exceptions granted for property owned by the City activities Downtown after 9:00 p.m. examples of the steps other cities have taken regarding live music Community Workshop Page 1 10/17/12 exceptions for the property at the Lemon Avenue Mall examples of connectivity between entertainment districts in another city protection of people's rights - proposal to identify urban corridors as arts and entertainment districts in the City - promotion of arts and entertainment with connecting, friendly transportation employment for musicians in arts and entertainment districts the loudness of the sound - the culture and fine dining in Sarasota - lack of acceptance of the 10:00 p.m. cutoff for live music a compromise between sound/noise and live music - developing a program for coexistence - the conflict between residential property and entertainment venues - the Commission's vision for Downtown Sarasota - a rational basis for the regulations establishment of arts and entertainment districts throughout the City Downtown residents' desire for a vibrant Downtown - the possibility of compromise and discussion - encouragement of vibrancy through live music - making an exception for weekends on a temporary basis - changing the place of measurement of the complaint the issues bands and musicians face in the City - the economic benefit of a night life in the City - building a vibrant music economy - Sarasota as a City of the arts and culture for all demographics - the flight of young people out of the City the existence of excellent and talented musicians in the City an increase in the dB(A) allowable level consideration of 98 to 99 dB(A) at the speakers as an acceptable level - the vision of the City founders for the City - the limitations of the sound/noise ordinance on the success of musicians incentives for sound buffering the current regulations which allow a small number of people to dictate the rules for the majority measuring noise at the source of the complaint amending policies to allow higher noise levels - a distinction between amplified and non-amplified music the success of the Harvey Milk Festival - ay young professionals advocacy group extending the time for live music for a couple of hours retention of young people in the City creativity in resolving issues the constraints of the noise ordinance creatively considering zoning districts for entertainment zones local bands travelling to other cities to perform due to local restraints the next step in the process attracting businesses to the Downtown changing the noise ordinance in a positive way applications for permits for live music for festivals and special events live, life, living, and love through music lack of venues for artists to play creatively responsibility of business owners and artists to know and enforce the regulations the value of small business owners communication of any regulations regarding sound/noise the perception of Downtown as a gated community Community Workshop Page 2 10/17/12 the lack of jobs resulting in the flight of young people from the City the valuable resource of the college students in the City planning in the City of Sarasota - the amenities in the City a transition period to a more vibrant City - establishing the exception as the standard - development of a fair sound/noise ordinance an opportunity for the citizens to vote regarding sound/noise and live music implementation of the pedestrian mall and pedestrian bridge proposed over 50 years ago Commissioner Caragiulo stated that a geographical Downtown may be necessary; that the number of attendees is impressive; that citizens must be involved; that a personal commitment is made to staying engaged in considering the issues of sound/noise and live music. 3. ADJOURN (AGENDA ITEM II) Commissioner Caragiulo adjourned the meeting at 8:28 p.m. Community Workshop Page 3 10/17/12