EL PASO, Texas -- The long-running dispute between Eastside bar owners and nearby residents will continue with an independent mediator.

The dispute is expected to be resolved by a mediator in a few weeks, but as far as everyone affected is concerned, they say they want this issue resolved soon.

Frank Saenz is a regular at the Three Legged Monkey on Hawkins Boulevard. He's familiar with the issue that has surrounded the bar along with Wet Ultra Lounge. The owners said they've tried to find solutions to the complaints by residents.

"I don't think it's fair," said Saenz.

But residents said they've lived in their neighborhood longer than the bars have been open. For almost two years, neighbors have complained about the noise and drunken patrons parking in their streets, and behaving badly.

The city has spent more than $80,000 a year responding to the complaints. Last week, the bars faced losing their lease because the city was considering terminating it. But on Monday, El Paso city council voted to send the issue to a mediator, which will cost taxpayers between $2,000 and $4,000.

"Personally, I've hadn't had any problems with the noise or the parking," said East El Paso resident Martha Boyle.

Boyle lives on Parade Lane, two blocks away from Hawkins and said she's never heard her neighbors complain. But she says she understand how other residents on other streets could see the parking issue. Still she feels closing the bars is taking it too far.

"I think young people need to have a place where they can hang out. I'm for keeping the place open," said Boyle.

The owner of Wet said he's glad for the mediation but the owner of the Three Legged Monkey said the city is wasting more taxpayer money on this issue.