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CR 92-111 Clock Tower Operation I , '; y 0 ~- ~ -$- '" o P \ ~ . May 14, 1992 K Councl1 Report 92-111 CLOCK TOWER OPERATION Proposed Action. Staff recommends adoption of the following motion: Move to approve on a temporary basis the timinq for the use of the carillon bells in the Mainstreet clock tower on a schedule as recommended bv staff. By approving this motion, staff will be able to program the operation of the clock tower during the period of time a full understanding of the capabilities of the tower is developed, and an operation policy is prepared. Overview The clock tower has been or is ready to be put into operation. One of the features of the clock tower is the ability to use the carillon bells which have been installed. Staff is currently in the process of obtaining an understanding of the operation of the clock tower, and in particular the operation of the bells. In addition, staff is contemplating the establishment of a legislative policy which would govern the use of the clock tower from the perspective of the ringing of the bells, and the use of the speakers/music system which has been installed. To allow for this process to take place, it appears necessary to begin the use of the bells on somewhat of an experimental basis to determine the appropriate level of the use of the bell system. Staff is recommending that, for now, the bells be programmed to simply provide for a Westminster chime and one stroke of a bell at the top of every hour from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., every day of the week. Staff hopes to have the clock tower programmed in the fashion as recommended prior to May 19 in order to give the Council an idea of the appropriateness of the level of the use of the bells. Primary Issues to Consider o What are the reasons for staff's recommendations? o When do the bells ring at st. Josephs Church? o What are the capabilities of the clock tower, bell system, etc.? supportinq Documents o Analysis of issues o Alternatives Director CR92-111 Page 2 primary Issues to consid r -- 0 What are the reasons for staff's recommendations? staff has recommended that at least on a temporary basis the bells be programmed to provide for a westminster chime and one stroke of a bell at the top of every hour from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., every day of the week. It appears that the timing for ringing the bells is very subjective and up to each individual's taste and opinions. However, reasons for which staff suggested that the bells, at least for now, be used as proposed include: o The clock tower manufacturer suggested that the City start out very simple, in terms of when the bell rings, and build from there. o The hours were proposed. (9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m) in order to be compatible with the environment the clock tower is located in, provide enjoyment, and provide a useful service. staff felt that starting the bells at 9:00 a.m. would serve to signify the start of a typical retail business day and not be disruptive to people which may be sleeping in nearby apartments. Staff also felt that ending the use of the bells at 10:00 p.m. could signify curfew and again not be overly disruptive. Again, this is a subjective issue and there may be good reasons to use a different system. o It was felt the proposed schedule would provide a sense as to what type of increase may be appropriate in terms of the use of the bells. o It was felt that providing some type of recommendation would at least stimulate discussion on when the clock tower bells should be used. o When do the bells ring at st. Josephs Church? Staff was informed that st. Josephs Church rings its bells from noon to 8:00 p.m. every day of the week. In this case, a Westminster chime is used on the top of every hour with the bell then rung to signify the hour. This results in the bell ringing twelve times at noon, etc. In addition, the church rings the bells five minutes before mass on Saturday and Sunday. In order to complement, rather than compete with st. Josephs church bells, staff is suggesting that we have the clock tower bell ring a minute or two before the st. Joseph church bell rings. o What are the capabilities of the clock tower's bells and music system? Based on my conversations with RLK Associates, the control system for the bells and music system is quite sophisticated. This results in . . CR92-111 Page 3 the City having a large amount of flexibility and capabilities to do a - variety of things with the bells. Examples include: 0 There are a variety of chimes which can be used other than the Westminster chime. The clock tower has a memory which allows up to 64 different chimes to be programmed. 0 The "clapper" which rings the bells can be adjusted slightly to control loudness. 0 The bells can be programmed to ring differently at various hours of the day, or to ring differently at different times during the hour (1/4, 1/2, or 3/4 hour). 0 The bells and music system can be shut off completely. Alternatives The City Council has the following alternatives: 0 Approve staff's recommendation. 0 Approve a different schedule for ringing the bells. 0 Ask that the bell system not be activated until further discussion takes places.