By Jen Bradley
Correspondent
More than 30 people made an appearance Monday night at the East Troy Village Hall to show support for local business owner Sam Bresler, whose conditional use permit for the beer garden at Sammy’s Place was under question after an anonymous complaint.
During the routine monthly meeting of the Village of East Troy’s Plan Commission and Architectural Review Board, president Bill Loesch began by informing those in attendance that it was not a public hearing and the beer garden agenda item was not open for public comments.
It didn’t matter, because the board dismissed the issue after listening to comments from Village Police Chief Alan Boyes and Deputy Chief Jeremy Swendrowski, who both remarked that the beer garden has not caused additional police concerns.
Boyes said there have been 10 incidents filed at the bar’s 2079 Division St. address since Jan. 1, but only one was in relation to the beer garden, and only two were related to noise.
“Officers haven’t had any problems with the noise, and if they did, it would be addressed and documented,” Boyes said.
He also said if an incident occurs outside, the closest address is picked for documentation purposes, so some incidents could have involved patrons from any of the nearby establishments.
Boyes explained that not all complaints received by the department have been directed at Bresler’s business, but actually to the overall noise being heard when the four bars on the square close.
Swendrowski said he spoke with residents in the area, and they said the noise from the beer garden is not a problem.
He said many agreed the only time the noise is an issue is at bar closing time, when people are congregating and heading home. The same residents said that when their air conditioners are running and windows closed, the noise is a non-issue, Swendrowski added.
“Sammy is pro-active,” Boyes said. “He doesn’t want any issues and we’ve always talked openly.”
Commissioner Ted Zess said he didn’t see a need to consider revoking the beer garden’s permit, which was issued in April. The board concurred.
During its next meeting, Oct. 8, the plan commission will address noise concerns from Strategic Materials’ 24-hour operation.
On Monday, the board reviewed survey results sent to 31 village residents in mid-August asking for feedback. Twelve were returned.
Plant Manager Matt Fischer said Strategic Materials is the No.1 glass recycling operation in the state, and has added five new jobs in the past two weeks because of its continued growth. The business is located at 2728 Buell Drive.
Fischer said it’s important for the company to be in compliance with its neighbors, and continue to do things for the community.
He said he will have a random noise study completed by the end of the month. The village intends to do a sound study as well, taking readings at the business property line and nearby residences.
One homeowner voiced concern at the meeting, saying he and neighbors are being disturbed after the approved ordinance hours of 7 p.m., which is affecting the value of homes in the neighborhood.
Commissioners also recommended Ordinance 2012-8 be sent to the Village Board for approval. The ordinance addresses awnings and canopies in the downtown design district.
It says plan commission approval is required for any canopies or awnings placed in the village, as well as design elements required for each.
They should not be less than 8 feet above or greater than 20 feet above the sidewalk level or public thoroughfare, as well as comply with all setbacks that apply to the principal structure. Canopies must be of solid materials such as metal or wood, and awnings must have a metal or wood frame, but have surfaces of canvas, vinyl or other flexible material.
