By Karen Mahoney
Correspondent
R & R Club owner Ric Storbeck appeared in front of the village’s Plan Commission Monday night to address a number of compliance issues regarding the annual review of his Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to operate an outdoor dining area.
Stating that this wasn’t a “witch hunt” against R & R Club, Vice-President Mike Aimone requested the item on the agenda to ensure the business complies with the terms of the CUP.
“We don’t want to hinder your business or stop your outdoor dining area,” he said.
“But there have been six or seven things that have come up over the course of the year and we need to dialogue on these items to make sure you keep good business practices.”
Among the issues facing R & R club were an unapproved sign or banner along the side of the building, an unapproved tent, and outdoor music playing past 9 pm, patrons with open intoxicants in front of the building, and litter in front and behind the building.
The banner, advertising that the club was voted the best dining facility west of the I, was removed, stated Storbeck, and he will work on getting a permit for future signs.
However, he admitted that he did not realize that the tent, which is utilized for smokers during the winter months, was a violation.
“It stated on the CUP that I was not allowed to put up any buildings, but I didn’t think a tent fell under a building category,” he said.
“There are other establishments in the area that use the tents, so I figured it was OK. I have to have something on location for smokers to go without snow falling on their heads. I didn’t think I needed a building permit, but if that is a mistake, I will work on this.”
Because bartenders get busy in the evenings, Storbeck plans to leave the music off, rather than risk going beyond the 9 p.m. limitations.
“I have a separate switch to shut off the music outdoors, but the bartenders get really busy sometimes and forget to shut it off,” he said.
“In fact, when I come in on Thursday nights after golf league, I have had to go in and make sure the music is off.”
Regarding the litter, Storbeck refuted claims of an excessive amount of refuse, stating that the area is cleaned on a daily basis.
“This is totally not true,” he said. “We have someone who sweeps up the cigarette butts every day. We don’t open until 10 a.m. and if someone is outside early in the morning, it is possible there might be cigarette butts or trash out there until we open the doors and clean it all up.
“We have someone pick up everyday and an employee sprays the patio down four times a week. Every morning, this is the first thing I check.”
Stating that public safety is his number one priority, Chairman Ron Bogard mentioned passing by the club several times and noticing patrons standing outside holding beer bottles.
“I don’t want to deal with bottles and broken glass, especially with children around the next day,” he said.
Storbeck plans to post a sign with the state statutes on it, regarding open intoxicants, but admitted that with two other taverns in the area, it is difficult to control patrons from walking along the streets, carrying bottles.
While Storbeck willingly addressed the issues, and promised to work on compliance, neighbor Terry Olson expressed concern over loud music and those who illegally park on his property in the private alley.
“I don’t enjoy calling the police, but I want the people to abide by the laws,” he said. “I have put up signs, and put notes on cars asking them not to park on my property, but they tear them down. I don’t see why it is so difficult.”
Village Attorney Chris Geary encouraged Storbeck to remind patrons where to park, and told Olson to call police to issue trespassing violations if the situation continues.
-
-
-
-
-