REEDSVILLE – Council worked on proposed noise and ATV/UTV ordinances at its Monday meeting.
The proposed noise ordinance will include a construction activities section that would prohibit any type of construction or industrial work or repair that, “entails the use of any power-driven drill, riveting, machine, excavator or any other machine, tool, device or equipment which makes loud noises within 500 feet of any dwelling, hotel or apartment or other place of residence,” between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
The ordinance would also, “prohibit the operation, repair of servicing of construction equipment and the job-site delivering of construction and/or industrial materials,” during the same hours.
During the hours of 9 p.m. to 8 a.m. power tools, lawn and garden tools, snow blowers, and small power equipment cannot be used. Drums, engine repair and testing, horns and signaling devices, loudspeakers and public address systems will also be prohibited during those hours.
The ordinance proposes that from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. radios, musical instruments and similar devices cannot be used in a way that creates a noise disturbance. Loud yelling and shouting, whistling, hooting or generally creating a racket on public rights-of- way or public spaces will be forbidden between the hours of 8 p.m. and 10 a.m., under the proposed ordinance.
Council tabled further discussion about the proposed ordinance. “I’ll talk to the attorney and see if we should put decibels [sound measurements] in,” Mayor Jason Titus said. “And see if we can find someone who would do a decibel reading.”
At a recent meeting, Reedsville residents who live near a local business complained of the noise. The business is in an area zoned industrial. Council did not say Monday if the proposed noise ordinance is in response to those comments.
A section of the proposed new ATV/UTV ordinance discussed Monday would require those vehicles to have a safety decal and permit for each ATV and UTV owned beginning June 1. ATV and UTVs used for farm use will not require a permit but will have to have a farm use tag and a triangle displayed on the vehicle. Council voted to charge $25 for the yearly permit.
Council voted to amend the current ordinance after receiving complaints about ATVs, side-by-sides and mini-trucks being driven through town.
The penalty for violation of the proposed ordinance is proposed to be: For first offenses, a fine of $25 to $100; second offense, a fine of $50 to $250; third and subsequent offenses, a fine of $100 to $500.
If the parent or legal guardian of a child under the age of18 knows the child is operating or is a passenger on a ATV without a helmet, he or she will be guilty of a misdemeanor and will be fined, under the ordinance.
For a first offense that fine is proposed to be $50 to $100; second offense, $100 to $200; third or subsequent offense, $200 to $500.
Council tabled a discussion about purchasing more Christmas lights and purchasing a Taser for the town police officer. Council members want more information about Tasers before purchasing one.
