Mayor signs revision to noise ordinance
Mayor Tom Henry today signed the revised noise ordinance passed by City Council Tuesday making “light pollution” a violation of city ordinance.
“Although I have concerns about this ordinance”, said Mayor Henry, “it is up to Council to decide what legislative action is appropriate for our community and, in this case, I will support their action..”
“I believe, though, City Council should consider amending this legislation in light of some concerns raised by both citizens and staff members alike. It is my opinion that this ordinance will be difficult to enforce as written and that certain exceptions to its provisions should be considered. Amongst the concerns raised were athletic events held in the evening, holiday light displays and emergency repair work to name a few.”
“Let me say one more thing,” said Mayor Henry. “At the Council meeting last Tuesday, one Council member who is opposed to this action made a very irresponsible statement directing citizens to call 911 if they have a problem with a bright light. That is not the appropriate use of 911. Our dispatchers cannot afford to spend time on calls of this nature when there are urgent, potentially life-and-death calls waiting. I encourage citizens to utilize 311 or call the police department at 427-1222 to report a problem.”