Council looks at noise controls

Published 1:16 am Wednesday, February 18, 2009

The Andalusia City Council got its first peek at a proposed noise ordinance Tuesday night.

If passed, the ordinance would outlaw:

the use of horns and other signaling devices on automobiles, motorcycles or other vehicles except as a danger warning.

the keeping of any animal or bird which causes repeated noise audible inside a commercial, residential, multifamily dwelling or public place between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.

the discharge into the open air of the exhaust of any steam or internal combustion engine of any motor vehicle except through a muffler.

the use of devices to cast sound upon the public streets for the purpose of commercial advertising.

Operating, playing or permitting the operation or playing of any device, radio, television, stereo, drum, musical instrument, sound amplifier or similar device which produces, reproduces or amplifies sound, creating noise which exceeds 60 Decibels during the hours of 10 p.m. until 7 a.m.

the operation of devices which produce, reproduce or amplify sound plainly audible outside a radius of 25 feet to any person inside a commercial, residential, multifamily dwelling or public place between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.

the operation of any sound amplification system plainly audible outside a radius of 25 feet when the vehicle is on a public highway or on premises open to the public.

 the operation of domestic power tools and construction equipment between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Bells, chimes and similar devices used by places of religious worship would be exempt, as would emergency vehicles.

Violation of the proposed ordinance is punishable by a fine of not less than $50 and not more than $500 and/or up to six months in jail.

Councilman Terry Powell, who serves as mayor pro tem, presided over the meeting in the absence of the mayor, who was out of town.

In other business, the council:

Declared property at 204 Cadiz St. a public nuisance. Building inspector Micah Blair said the city has previously cleaned up a dump on the property. The house in question has been damaged by fire and has no running water and no electricity. A man lives on the porch.

State law requires homes to have running water, Blair said.

“His friends and other agencies have worked with us,” Blair said. “Someone has secured him a house that has water and electricity.”

After the property was declared a public nuisance, the owner has 30 days to begin improving it or the city can begin tearing down the structures and removing debris.

Heard a presentation from Ryan Welch of Cawthon and Associates about lobbying.

Agreed to spend $3,300 to purchase six bullet-proof vests for the Andalusia Police Department. A portion of the funding will be repaid by a grant.

Announced it is accepting applications for the Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Adjustments and Housing Authority.