Bloomington Mediation Group Proposes Settlement to Airport Noise Suit
April 1, 2007
Richfield, MN
 |  The basic penard model is available in five sizes and 4 colors. Sokitt-Tumi International |
 The Extreme Edition penard model with optional Wi-Fi upgrade and custom name engraving. Sokitt-Tumi International | |
In a surprise move, Bloomington Legal Arbitration & Mediation Group (BLAM), announced a solution to the legal battle between the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), and the Cities of Minneapolis, Richfield and Bloomington over continued sound mitigation of residential homes and businesses.
At a news conference held March 31, the group announced a replacement program for the unfinished Part 150 Noise Reduction Program that MAC abruptly terminated in 2004. The announcement, made at the Embassy Suites West, was to show off a reduced-cost alternative to upgrading personal homes, school and businesses to a tolerable noise level.
The BLAM proposal would supply every person living within the 60 DNL (Day/Night Level) or noisier areas, a “Personal Environmental Noise Reduction Device,” or penard (pronounced peh-NARD). Similar in function to industrial hearing protection headsets, the devices could eliminate up to 20 decibels of ambient or background noise “when used in conjunction with other relief efforts,” stated BLAM spokesperson, Patricia Bell.
While insulating homes in the 60 DNL is estimated to cost $37,000 each, the penard will cost the MAC approximately $3.50 each for the basic, all-plastic model. Based on latest noise contour maps (flex-line 2004), up to 34,700 adults and children might qualify for one of several basic models at no personal cost. Sokitt-Tumi International, the Bloomington-based tool company, expects to manufacture the penards at their plants in Minnesota and China.
Available at extra cost are several upscale penards including the 100% recycled “Green,” the virgin-vinyl/titanium “Extreme Edition” and the all-white “Head Connect” with faux iPod connectivity. A completely different style, the "Bling," by Fallix Inc., designed to look like a stand-alone bluetooth earpiece, is also being considered. Although prices have not been set for the optional upgrades, they are expected to be popular among certain demographic groups.
 Minneapolis Mayor RT Rybak tries on the red Green model of the penard. Southside News | |
As aircraft roared overhead, BLAM members encouraged attendees to try on their favorite model from among the dozens arranged on mannequin heads at a display booth. Hesitant at first, Minneapolis Mayor RT Rybak® was smoothly doubtful about the proposal. While noting that the devices fit neatly into his "Green Skies" initiative, he was reluctant to drop the suit. "Look, I've made a commitment to the legal team. Pulling out now would mean certain defeat later," the Mayor said.
Still, the Mayor seemed to enjoy his penard. Choosing an electric green Extreme Edition to match his contacts, the Mayor was all grins as he walked around tapping people on the shoulder and shouting, “Can you hear me now?”
The three cities are suing the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) over the commission's alleged failure to complete the noise insulation program. In 1996, the MAC committed to full noise insulation at no cost for residents whose homes were significantly impacted by noise from the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. However, in November 2004, MAC decided that they would no longer provide noise insulation to residents, even though they continue to collect a dedicated $4.50 fee per passenger to do so.
Penards will be available in infant, toddler, teen, and XL and XXL adult ear sizes. Each would come in several fashion colors.
Bloomington Legal and Mediation Group (BLAM) was founded in 1999 as a non-partisan group of Metro Area lawyers and legal assistants dedicated to "working together for the common good of all residents."
- Excerpted from the Southside News
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