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6 business license for dance halls and food businesses as currently growth is not allowed. She said there is also the question of enforcement. Ms. Jennifer Braverman, Douglas Avenue, said that many people moved into Belmont when it was dangerous and improved their homes. She noted that Mas has never disturbed the neighborhood and the owner supports the 55 decibel limit. Mr. Jason Engelberger, a musician from Crozet, said music venues could not have existed in Austin, Texas with a restriction of 55 decibels. Mr. Stu Taylor and another resident of Hinton Avenue supported keeping the current decibel level. They said restaurants enhance the value of the neighborhood and the issue needs more research. Mr. Stan Braverman, Douglas Avenue, said he has not found any residential area where 75 decibels is allowed. He said his house has insulation and he is still woken up at night. Mr. Wayne Farm suggested that parking concerns be addressed with permits. He said police enforcement is needed. He said there is more noise from people leaving businesses. Ms. Julie Williams, Belmont Avenue, said that the comments about the decibel levels are not representative of what happens. She asked if seven bars were what the City intended for the neighborhood. She said noise before 11:00 p.m. also needs to be addressed. Mr. Norris said he thinks it would be a good idea to have another meeting in the neighborhood. Dr. Brown said Ms. Williams made a good point about noise before 11:00 p.m. He suggested staff also look at other areas and not limit it to neighborhood commercial districts. Ms. Edwards said she would also like to hear from the police about the number of calls they receive and their response. REPORT : SNOW REMOVAL Ms. Judy Mueller, Director of Public Works, reviewed extra staffing during the recent snow storm, including Police, Fire, Social Services, Parks and Recreation and Public Works. She said 38 Public Works employees worked 12 hour shifts until Christmas Eve, and 450 tons of salt were used. She reviewed the plowing routes and priorities. She said the City does not have the equipment to handle 24 inches of snow. Mr. Norris asked what it would cost to fully equip for this type of snow, and Ms. Mueller said it would cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. She said there was also the problem of abandoned vehicles and lots of trees down. She said they switched to using metal blades on Monday and hired private contractors. She said in the future they would take the rubber tips off the blades earlier and call private contractors earlier. She noted that some snow had to go on sidewalks when streets were plowed. She said the Mayor has asked that staff bring together the pedestrian safety committee to discuss how things could be done differently, and suggestions will be brought back to Council. Ms. Szakos noted that for every complaint she received, she got two in support of the City’s efforts. She said it would be irresponsible for the City to buy equipment that could have dealt with this type of storm, and she feels the City did a good job. Dr. Brown asked about the degree to which bus routes can be prioritized, and Ms. Mueller said that part of the problem was getting drivers in to work. Ms. Szakos suggested that the City look at getting volunteers to help clear sidewalks.