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Auburn Moose Lodge leaders respond to neighbor complaints, cite charity work and economic impact
Summary
Representatives of Auburn Moose Lodge 2264 told the City Council they have been targeted by a neighbor's complaints and documented nine non-emergency police calls; they described their charitable activities, monthly visitation figures and local economic contributions during public comment.
Leaders and members of Auburn Moose Lodge 2264 addressed the Auburn City Council during the public-comment portion of the meeting to refute recent neighbor complaints and to describe the lodges charitable work and economic activity.
Jerry Bray, who identified himself as speaking on behalf of Auburn Moose Lodge 2264, said the lodge has operated at the same site for more than 52 years and is a long-standing community partner. "While we fully respect the right of every citizen to share their concerns, it is necessary to correct the misinformation," Bray said, noting the lodge's charitable work for foster youth, veterans and other local nonprofits.
Vice president Harley Don told the council the lodge has been targeted by a neighbor who, after about 10 years living near the lodge, "has launched a series of baseless complaints" that the lodge contends are exaggerated and disruptive. Don said the lodge has recorded nine police calls regarding nonemergency issues and described episodes he called frivolous, including a noise call for activity inside the building and a complaint about an RV that was in the lodge parking lot and later determined to belong to a board member.
Member Leila Schachner outlined the lodge's local economic impact and volunteer base. "Each month we average about 2,100 visitors to our lodge," she said, adding visitors come from across the Auburn area and beyond, patronize restaurants and gas stations and support Old Town businesses. Schachner also cited donations she attributed to the lodge, including roughly $4,000 from a recent golf tournament to a local family-services organization.
Lodge leaders said they operate as a members-only organization with a vetting process for new members and an internal code of conduct that staff and board officers enforce. They asked the council to recognize the lodge as a constructive community partner and noted they would welcome a chance to introduce themselves to the council and community.
The mayor and council acknowledged the comments and noted the city cannot act on items raised during public comment that are not on the agenda but said the council would take the statements into consideration.
Ending: The lodge's remarks were entered into the public record; no city action was taken at the meeting.
