Rogina strongly backs St. Charles' temporary ban on outdoor amplified music

St. Charles Mayor Ray Rogina is strongly backing the city's aldermen in their decision to temporarily ban outdoor amplified music.

Rogina commented extensively on the subject at Tuesday's city council meeting in response to noise complaints from residents about loud music at D&G Brewing, 303 N. Fourth St.

Ward 4 Aldermen David Pietryla and Lora Vitek suggested the temporary ban at last week's planning and development meeting, and they were backed by the eight other aldermen. A unanimous vote at Tuesday's city council meeting made the temporary ban official.

Representatives from D&G Brewing met virtually with Rogina and St. Charles Police Chief James Keegan earlier Tuesday to plead their case as to why they need the music to sustain their business during COVID-19 restrictions.

Rogina, however, sided with the aldermen. He said no outdoor music was allowed on private property without a permit before the COVID-19 pandemic, but the city council relaxed the ordinance to help bars and restaurants survive during the indoor dining ban.

He insisted the city is meeting bars and restaurants halfway by allowing outdoor acoustic music. Amplified outdoor music is still allowed at permitted events.

"All of you are looking for a balance here, more than anything else, a fair balance for both businesses and residents," Rogina told the aldermen. "And I would say, as an outside observer, I think you've struck the right chord here at this time. Frankly, I'm proud of you for this. I'm proud of you for all we've accomplished during COVID and what we've tried to do for the businesses."

D&G Brewing owner Alex Drayer said he appreciated the relaxations in the allowances for outdoor dining but hopes the city revisits the subject of outdoor music in the near future because of the boost it's given to his business. He also said D&G has tried to limit the noise by utilizing smaller bands and only having music before 8 p.m.

"This year it has accounted for about 50% of the business that we've done," Drayer said. "It really has been a game-changer.

"Maybe we can come to an agreement with the neighbors and with everybody in the community that maybe all music shuts down by 8 p.m. so that we can continue to do what we're doing."