PLAN COMMISSION

May 11, 2006

Members present: Breault, Koch, Yoerg and Caruso

Others present: Jeff Johnson and Denny Darnold

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Breault at 7:30 a.m.

Application for special event permit, River Rock Festival, June 15-18, 2006, Lakefront Park – River Rock Music Festival, LLC / Jeff Johnson. Johnson explained that the River Rock Festival is scheduled to be held in Lakefront Park, June 15 – 18, 2006. Johnson reviewed the memorandum sent to him from Dennis Darnold regarding four issues: attendance, noise, lighting and parking. Johnson noted that the total number of persons per day would be estimated to be 2,000 to 3,000. If the attendance reaches a situation that the fenced area is too crowded, attendance would then be turned away. Johnson expressed that it would be unlikely the attendance would get to that point at any one time.

In regards to parking, Johnson noted that the Lakefront Park beach house / bathhouse parking lot will be utilized to park vehicles for the bands and auxiliary uses. Darnold commented that for the St. Croix Music and Art Festival the concern was raised about the availability and number of off-street parking stalls for persons with disabilities.

Breault suggested that the city should make some temporary signage for the event activities in Lakefront Park that can direct parties that are in need of parking for persons with disabilities and reserve additional spaces if necessary.

Johnson noted that the lighting at the event will be limited to within the ticket, children’s, food and vendor booths and the stage lighting. Johnson recommended that the city should require that a certified electrician connect and disconnect the electrical systems required for this type of event. Breault commented that the issue of electrical hookup / safety should be addressed. Yoerg suggested that the city should consider investing in continued improvements in the electrical system at the bandshell area to reduce the amount of above ground electrical wiring that is required to conduct an event of this type. Darnold commented that the periodic flooding that does occur, due to back up of the stormwater system, may be a concern.

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May 11, 2006

Johnson stated that the sound system that will be used is called a “short throw” sound system and is set up to extend the sound to the general area to be served, but that sound will be heard in the surrounding neighborhoods. Johnson noted that if the volume is too loud the event will be able to reduce the volume, but the type of music that will be played is likely to be considered by most, not to be too loud.

Darnold commented that the application notes that paramedics were on-site last year, but was not specific as to whether paramedics would be on-site this year. Johnson explained that due to the proximity of the public safety building to respond to calls the EMTs may not need to be on-site. Breault commented that the EMTs on-call may get called. Breault noted that the city should review the issue if paramedics should be required to be on-site separate from the EMTs on-call.

Moved by Caruso, seconded by Yoerg to recommend approval of the application for special event permit for the River Rock Festival, June 15 – 18, 2006 as submitted by River Rock Music Festival, Inc. / Jeffrey T. Johnson. Motion carried.

The plan commission suggests that the city consider the following in review of special event permits and events at Lakefront Park:

- provide for emergency medical service on-site, separate from the on-call EMS

- provide temporary signage, provided by the city, for disability parking within the Lakefront Park bathhouse / beach house parking lot denoting directions (placed on First Street) and designating additional off-street parking stalls within the parking lot

- review electrical wiring in Lakefront Park, to increase safety, through the installation of a permanent wiring system

- require a certified electrician to connect and disconnect the electrical systems

Darnold noted that the next meeting is scheduled for May 25, 2006. Yoerg and Caruso expressed concern about the height of buildings that may be proposed on the east side of First Street, if redevelopment may occur in the downtown.

Moved by Yoerg, seconded by Caruso to adjourn. Motion carried. 7:45 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Dennis D. Darnold, Secretary