November meeting set to discuss noise remedies

Langley’s city leaders are looking for answers to the persistent problem of noise complaints about Mo’s Pub and Eatery.

Over the next few months, the city will look at ways to resolve neighbor complaints which Mayor Fred McCarthy categorized as “chronic problems we are hearing at Mo’s.” Fall and winter months are ideal, said McCarthy, because the pub will be less busy, allowing for a reprieve for both parties.

The mayor has asked city department heads, city council members, the pub’s owners and the pub’s neighbors for possible solutions. He will compile those and hold a meeting in November to begin discussions as to how complaints over late-night noise can be reduced. Those suggestions should be compiled for public review by the city council’s Nov. 3 meeting.

“The whole theme of this is let’s be as thorough as possible, as public as possible,” McCarthy said.

Almost since Mo’s Pub opened in 2011, complaints over noise from inside and outside the establishment on Second Street were lobbed. In previous city meetings about the issue, tensions ran high between neighbors and pub supporters.

One of the issues is that Mo’s Pub remains one of the few evening establishments in Langley. The other concern is that it is located next to single-family residences.

Councilwoman Robin Black stated the city’s position as one of wanting to support a successful business while keeping residents happy.

None of the pub’s neighbors were at the meeting, but owners Maureen Cooke and Bob Trenchard sat through the discussion, even throwing in their ideas in the interim.

Trenchard, who is undergoing cancer treatment, said that the neighbors have his cell phone number and have been encouraged to call him if any issues arise at the pub. His preference is to be contacted first, rather than being called by Langley Police Chief Dave Marks.

“I’m tired of seeing him,” said Trenchard, motioning to Marks across the council chambers, adding that it was a waste of the chief’s time and city money.

Reiterating previous requests, Trenchard said the city should establish a baseline decibel level. Jeff Arango, the city’s planning director who recently turned in his

resignation for a private-sector job in Seattle, has adamantly opposed a decibel reader because of its subjectivity.

Having worked on the city’s ordinance restricting amplified music performances at Mo’s and other businesses with lounges adjacent to single-family residences for years, the city council appeared both weary and ready to take another pass at satisfying all parties. Councilwoman Rene Neff described it as “chasing the same circle.” But another council member thought it was good to start again with a host of possible solutions, then vet those through the city and its legal counsel.

“I think taking this measure in pace is the right thing to do,” said Councilman Thomas Gill.