Russellville City Council Discusses 'Practical Noise Ordinance'

Here, Mayor Eaton and City Clerk prepare for the July 21 City Council meeting where the possible noise ordinance was discussed.

"Citizens deserve a practical noise ordinance," stated Alderman Chaplain Northcutt concerning the consideration of an ordinance amending ordinance #1895 the City of Russellville Noise ordinance. "This is not about the Hispanic night clubs," said Northcutt in order to clear up any confusion. "It is about all of the disruptive noise in our city," he added.

The current noise ordinance is considered "ambiguous" to Northcut. A decibel ordinance is not included in the current ordinance. Instead, "unreasonably" loud noise is not allowed. The proposed ordinance includes appropriate decibel level for given times. From 7:00 a. m. until 11:00 p. m., 65 dB are the maximum for residential areas, 75 dB in commercial areas and 85 dB in industrial areas. From the hours of 11:00 p. m. and 7:00 a. m., 60 dB are allowed in residential areas, 70 dB in commercial areas and 80 dB in industrial areas. This ordinance also includes a section which discusses "braking sounds from vehicles." The ordinance states, "A compression release engine brake, or other hydraulically operated device that converts a power producing diesel or gas engine into a power absorbing retarding mechanism with a correspondingly increased amount of noise emission shall not be engaged or used within the city limits of Russellville, except in the case of failure of the service brake system, adverse weather conditions, or other emergency necessitating the compression release engine brake's use." This section addresses Pope County Quorum Court's issue with "jake-brakes" discussed during their last meeting.

Alderman Northcut compared the current ordinance to "building a highway and saying that the speed limit is what is reasonable." Other aldermen feel as though the current ordinance is fitting to the city needs. Since most residents will not be familiar with what a decibal is, Alderman Freeman replied to Northcut's comparison, "But everyone has a speedometer in front of them."

Mayor Eaton urged the council to be practical when coming to a conclusion on this topic. He wanted them to think about the burden put on the city department that will be in charge of enforcing this ordinance.

Alderman Irwin voiced concern with the possible ordinance, "I am not convinced that there is an issue with noise." He also urged his fellow aldermen to approach this ordinance with a great deal of thought.

Alderman Horton brought up a new thought on this issue. He felt as if the ordinance was unfinished and needed a margin of error.

This resolution was read by title only with a short explanation and remains on the agenda.