By Sara StrongThe Luverne City Council Tuesday tried to balance needs of two neighboring businesses disputing over an outdoor music event.Sharkee’s requested permission from the city for a live, outdoor band performance July 29, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.The Comfort Inn objected to the request because last year’s outdoor band kept customers up and got the hotel many complaints.City Administrator Greg LaFond said, "I think it’s unreasonable for Sharkee’s to think they can have a band outside until 12:30 or 1. But this is [Rock County Fair] time, and it’s going to be noisy to some extent."Management from both companies tried to work out a mutual agreement, but couldn’t. Essentially, the Comfort Inn wanted the music kept indoors, and Sharkee’s wanted it as requested.Sharkee’s manager Matt Lais said, "We’re just trying to give young people something to do. And it’s just a once-a-year thing."Comfort Inn manager Salina Lee said, "I still feel like we’ll lose some guests because of it. … But at least this time, we’ll be able to forewarn our guests."Last year, Lee wasn’t aware of the outdoor music until the day of the event and said the noise was too much for guests staying in all parts of the hotel. Lee said, "We do have regular guests that have to leave for business at like three in the morning."Lais said, "Young people leave town all the time for entertainment and we struggle with that every weekend." The City Council approved Sharkee’s request for the outdoor event from 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. and attached more conditions.Other conditions placed by the City Council are: no outside alcohol or beer sales after 12:30 a.m.; the area for the event must be enclosed by a barrier fence which adequately restricts access; Sharkee’s must allow sufficient area for emergency vehicle access, and Sharkee’s must provide sufficient external restroom facilities.Sharkee’s plans to contract with the Johnny Holm Band July 29, which is during the Rock County Fair.In other business Tuesday, the council:oAllowed a temporary beer license request for non-youth games during Buffalo Days. Proceeds will go toward debt for the Luverne Little League to improve fields. oDecided to form a Budget Liaison Committee, which was previously discussed. LaFond said, "We think that this would enhance the understanding of the budget in the community and include more people in the process."The council will approach people, but interested residents are asked to call City Hall.
