"Decibel meters are open to interpretation and not as black and white."
Grand Marais city councilors made more changes to a proposed noise ordinance June 24, but unanimously approved the new regulations on first reading. If the ordinance receives a positive vote on second reading, scheduled for July 8, it will become effective upon publication soon thereafter.
The vote followed a 75-minute public hearing during which about a dozen residents and business owners spoke, and another half-hour of discussion and debate among councilors.
Those speaking during the public hearing spoke either in favor of using a decibel meter to measure the level of music volume, or setting hours during which amplified music performances are allowed.
Cook County Sheriff Mark Falk told council he needed an ordinance that was enforceable, and advised that the option setting time limits was more practical. "There’s no argument when it’s 10 p.m. or midnight," Falk said. "But decibel meters are open to interpretation and not as blackand white." The sheriff also said he believed there were more important public safety concerns that his officers should be devoting their time to.
The amended ordinance states that it’s okay to play amplified music — either inside or outside — at any time as long as the sound cannot be heard above the level of conversational speech beyond 100 feet (up from 50 feet) from the place of origin. However, music may be played at any level between the hours of noon and 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; between noon and midnight on Friday and Saturday, and the Sunday before Labor Day and Memorial Day, and the July 4 holiday. Further exceptions will be considered for special events or festivals when the sponsoring organization applies for the permit.
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