http://www.post-trib.com/cgi-bin/pto-story/news/z1/06-07-05_z1_news_08.html

C.P. sets stiff fine for noise violation

June 7, 2005 

By Pamela Lewis Dolan / Post-Tribune staff writer

CROWN POINT — For those who love loud music, the city is making one thing clear — you’d better have some cash on hand.

At its Monday night meeting, the City Council voted to beef up the city’s noise ordinance by creating a new fine schedule that could get pretty costly for repeat offenders.

Under the new ordinance, a third-time offense could cost the offender over $2,500 per day.

“The fines are kind of excessive,” said Councilman Steve Farley, who abstained from voting on the issue.

“Well, we’re trying to make a point,” Mayor Dan Klein said.

Farley suggested the city look at the ordinance in its entirety, noting that how it reads places the legitimacy of the violations under the discretion of police officers. He questioned how a court of law could determine whether an actual violation occurred.

Councilman Michael Conquest suggested the city consider using a noise level meter and set limits on the decibel levels allowed.

City Attorney Rich Wolter said the ordinance does have set levels allowed per specific zoning designation.

But Police Chief Keith Hefner said taking the noise-level readings would prove nearly impossible.

The council voted 6-0 in favor of the new fines.

In response to comments made by Jim Storey in the public comment portion of the meeting, the council recommended noise levels, as they relate to auto traffic, be referred to the city’s ordinance committee. The current noise ordinance has a separate schedule of fines for motor vehicle noise.

In other business, the council voted to strengthen the city’s laws on defacing property.

Since the Bulldogs on the Square public art exhibit began two weeks ago, several of the bulldogs have been damaged or destroyed by vandals.

The amendment, which deals with property both private and public, will explicitly define public art as public property.

Hefner described for the council a recent incident which involved would-be dog-nappers who were caught in the act by police.

He and Klein both expressed the public adoration for the art projects and said community groups are bringing together volunteers to help guard the bulldogs.

Contact Pam Dolan at 648-3102 or pdolan@post-trib.com