At its special meeting on June 27 pertaining to liquor licenses, The Iola Village Board heard from a variety of area residents concerning music noise levels at the Thirsty Perch.
Cary Crabtree brought up the topic about the Thirsty Perch and stated he was there to support them and the music they provide.
Attorney Meagher stated the Village is going to issue Use Permits to the businesses at this time, until the board and attorney can review all the ordinances that pertain to music, liquor, fencing, etc. and review the ordinances to cover the current laws. Since the Village ordinances were written the laws have changed and the Village Trustees would like to make sure that the ordinances are correct. The cost to re-do the complete ordinance book is around $100,000, at this time the Village does not have the money available to re-do the complete book. So they are trying to figure out which ordinances need to be redone and how to amend them.
Attorney Meagher stated that a Public Hearing would need to be scheduled regarding the ordinances and had proposed Aug. 8, at 6:30 p.m.
A number of people attending the meeting, made comments supporting the music at the Thirsty Perch. Danielle Beschta questioned if a decibel meter was ever used and read. Darrell Oligney asked about what the ordinances would be and when they would be done. Someone suggested a referendum, President Schustek stated that the ordinances or anything going to referendum could only be voted on by village residents. It was asked how many people that attended the meeting were village residents. About half of the people in attendance were not Village of Iola residents. Larry Flowers said he did some research and found that a referendum would not be a good idea. Marsha Christoph questioned the Iola Car Show Music versus downtown. Cassandra Messier stated the Iola Car Show Music is not downtown. Janine Beauchaine questioned the Thursday on Main Street versus now. Cindy Phillips questioned complaints and how many. Jennifer stated there have been a handful, the largest amount was from the June 3rd which was Rising Phoenix.