HomeMy Public PortalAbout2023.02.08 Hershberger Church Bar Commentc
Edward Hershberger
3975 E. Clocktower Lane, #234
Meridian, Idaho, 83642
�1 RECEIVED
FEB 0 8 2023
Mayor Bob Giles and McCall City Council
216 East Park Street
McCall, ID 83638
Subject: Variance/Exception to State Code 23-1022B to permit a bar/tavern to be located within 300
feet of a The McCall Community Congregational Church.
Bob,
Barb and I continue to be members of the McCall Community Congregational Church, though due to
infirmities we now live in the Touchmark Meadow Lake Village community in Meridian, Idaho. Barb is
now in memory care, while I live in an apartment nearby. We loved our nearly 22 years of active
retirement in McCall. McCall is a wonderful place, and we wish it to remain so!
As you well know, we became deeply involved in activities to make McCall the best possible place to
live, including the Library, Aspen Village, and the Community Church. And, though now somewhat
remote, 1 continue to monitor progress and activities related to these activities. Nancy Reberger has
brought to my attention the subject matter. I strongly endorse Nancy's thinking and have attached a
copy of her letter to you, the Council and Annette, with my noted agreement.
I believe that the Idaho State Code is wise. The particular circumstance with the Community
Congregational Church being near the City Center, being a part of the community that makes McCall a
wonderful place to live, both for now and into the long future, is important! I feel very strongly that the
Idaho State Code should be affirmed and that NO variance/exception should be granted by the McCall
City Council to permit a bar/tavern within the 300 feet stated.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide my advice.
Fond Regards,
Ed Hershberger
PS: Please keep up the good work on the library expansion. I am proud of you! It too will help keep
McCall a wonderful place to live.
January 26, 2023
To McCaII City Council
Subject: Ms. Tway's proposal for bar at 200 Lenora St.
I am respectfully requesting Council to reconsider approval of Ms. Tway's request for a bar at 200
Lenora St. The approval of that request and the impact it and the plan for an adjoining outdoor
game/activity area with a food truck will have negative impacts on the McCall Community Church. It
also has potential impact on all churches in McCall.
Idaho code Title 23-1011B does not allow bars or taverns within 300 feet of a church (and schools). The
code does allow the governing body of the municipality to make an exception. The church is within 300
feet of the proposed bar and activity area. We understand such an exception was made on January 12,
2023, and that a letter from Pastor Marc Uebelhardt indicating the Church board did not have
objections to Ms. Tway's plan may have influenced that decision. It was noted in a letter, dated January
11 but not delivered to City Council until Friday, January 13, that the Trustees and Pastor could not take
the position of not objecting to her plan. The earlier letter was rescinded.
Neither the entire church governing body or the congregation were informed of Ms. Tway's request, and
matters such as this require transparent disclosure, discussion, deliberation and votes. None of those
things happened. 1 do believe this was largely because of Ms. Tway's request to keep it quiet (see her
letter) as well last-minute information and timing issues.
If her request to have a bar at 200 Lenora is approved, what is the future for other McCall churches who
may be faced with a similar request?. Will the 300 feet state code be waived, and this approval be
provided as precedence?
I serve on the Board of Trustees as Treasurer and am well aware that this letter represents my concerns.
I do not have the authority or right to speak for the entire church. I have discussed my concerns with
other church officers.
Concerns:
1. There are reasons for the 300 foot "buffer zone" between bars and churches. To not honor that
should require time for transparency and comments by all involved. A bar and possible
accompanying activities and food truck have the unfortunate opportunity to change the
character of the area.
2. The church is more than Sunday worship. Some of the activities that use the church during
other hours are McCall Music Society practices and Sunday Sounds at 6 music performances,
other music programs such as recitals and camps (summer viola camp), weddings, funerals,
small meeting and gatherings, sewing groups etc.
3. The church wants to rededicate itself to truly becoming a community church with its facilities
available for use, especially for the downtown area.
a. We will be placing our church usage policy and procedures on our website to promote
availability of space at a very reasonable cost.
?!
b. We are brainstorming how we can help the community. Is there a way mothers/fathers
could meet with small children. We have a couple rooms outfitted as
classrooms/nursery. Are their youth groups, scouts etc. that might use the church
c. Having the area compatible with these activities is essential to the growth and mission
of the church.
4. Noise.
a. We do not have air conditioning and church windows are often open in the summer.
Thus noise from the bar and adjoining area can have a negative impact on activities held
at the church and thus interfere with the mission of the church.
b. The proposed bar itself will be noisy (see letter). It is not a restaurant with a liquor
license. It is a bar. Will they have live music at any of those areas? Will the bar have its
windows open? She has provided very little detail. Are those activities compatible with
the other establishments and the church? Again, there is a reason for the 300 feet.
5. Her proposal also brings up a concern about the alley between the church and 200 Lenora. The
alley is right next to the church and directly behind the "activity area." Safety, security,
unwanted trash are all a concern because of proximity to bar.
6. Parking. It is limited already. Will parking be allowed in area by activity area and bar? Who will
monitor that the alleyway is not used for parking and other unwelcomed activities. Church
parking will be restricted to church usage.
I am not against bars in the right location. McCall has had its share of problems with noisy bars and
accompanying activities. 200 Lenora St. is not the right location. Please protect the buffer zone and
mission of our heritage church and reject Ms. Tway's proposal.
Nancy Reberger, Treasurer
McCall Community Congregational Church
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