The City of Jefferson continues to work on a proposed noise ordinance.

Police Chief Mark Clouse says they had used state law to enforce noise complaints, but one and a half years ago, the Iowa Supreme Court took that ability away for local law enforcement. He notes that the City currently doesn’t have a local ordinance to deal with noise. Clouse explains that his department will use the ordinance as a tool.

“We’re not going to be driving around town with a little noise meter and checking lawn mowers running and barbecue gatherings in people’s yards, that’s not what this is intended for. It’s a complaint tool to work with.”

Clouse points out that this ordinance, like many ordinances, will allow for officer discretion if a complaint is made.

“The ability to just work with neighbors. No way do we have – because someone makes a complaint – pull up and write a ticket. This is a tool and will be used as a tool. I think that’s maybe some of the misconception to a lot of residents.”

Clouse notes some of the concerns brought by residents to the June 9th City Council meeting included snow removal for private use outside of the proposed times for it to occur and children creating a decibel level that exceeds what is outlined in the ordinance. The ordinance must go through three readings by the City Council before it can take effect. To hear more from Clouse about this and other law enforcement topics, listen to today’s Community State Bank in Paton Let’s Talk Greene County program.