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03/05/20123-5-12 COW Page 1 of 2 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE – Minutes of Meeting March 5, 2012 The Village Board met as a Committee of the Whole in the Council Chambers of the Village Hall at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, March 5, 2012. In attendance were: PRESENT: Village Board Staff Harriet Rosenthal, Mayor Kent Street, Village Manager Robert Benton, Trustee Jenny Maltas, Assistant to the Village Manager Alan Farkas, Trustee John Sliozis, Police Chief Thomas Jester, Trustee Peter Coblentz, Village Attorney Mary Oppenheim, Trustee Andrew Lichterman, Management Analyst William Seiden, Trustee Barbara Struthers, Trustee Petitioners Josh Carl, Joy of the Game Jeff Bizar, Bizar Entertainment, Inc. Bob Kenney, Attorney Public Comment There was no public comment. Presentation by Joy of the Game Mr. Kenney reported his client Mr. Carl, is the owner of Joy of the Game at the south end of Deerbrook Mall and is requesting an amendment to the Special Use that currently permits only sporting and recreational activities at the facility. Mr. Kenney noted there are two alternative types of events that are being requested. The first request is for the facility to accommodate private, political, non-profit or charitable events. These events would be adult functions that would include catered food and liquor that would be brought in, served and then removed from the facility at the completion of the event. Mr. Kenney indicated that he has sent Village Manager Street a draft version of the catered liquor license ordinance for Village consideration. He clarified that his client is not seeking a liquor license for the facility because they only want liquor available on-site when adult functions are taking place. The second request is for the facility to accommodate teen nights where junior high or high school kids could come on the weekends for a safe evening of dancing and fun. 3-5-12 COW Page 2 of 2 Mr. Kenney noted that in many respects Mr. Carl is responding to the demand of his customers and Village residents who use the facility and recognize it is being under utilized. Mr. Carl briefly introduced himself and described the activities currently offered at Joy of the Game. He noted the 48,000 sq. ft. facility with a capacity of 2,600 people, hosts 35 basketball tournaments and is responsible for filling over 3,200 hotel rooms a year. He stated that parents recognize it’s a great facility and they have expressed their trust in him and want him to host a teen night. Mr. Bizar briefly described his background as a motivational speaker and owner of Bizar Entertainment, Inc., an entertainment company that DJs birthday parties and special events. He reported that he would like to offer the community a safe place, run by local, responsible people, where kids would have a cool place to go on the weekends. He envisions inviting only local schools, requiring school IDs to attend and providing security. He anticipates having one middle school night and one high school night per month. Mayor Rosenthal stated that she is concerned about the number of students that would be attending a teen night. Trustee Oppenheim suggested starting on a trial basis with fewer kids to see what the stresses of the situation are and what the community can handle. Mr. Carl noted he wants to work with the Police Department to keep them informed and avoid any issues. Trustee Seiden asked if parking has been considered and if there is sufficient capacity. Village Manager Street noted Joy of the Game parking is included as part of the Deerbrook Mall Special Use and a significant amount of parking was available. Mayor Rosenthal advised that the Board will review the proposal, adding that she is concerned with the teen night and would like to further consider the safety implications and required police coordination. Adjournment Trustee Oppenheim made a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Trustee Benton. The meeting adjourned at 7:32 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Andrew S. Lichterman Management Analyst