Troy considers noise ordinance, passes alcohol measure

Some rowdy behavior in Troy has city officials approving and considering new ordinances to deal the problem.

At last Wednesday’s meeting, Councilors approved the second reading of an amended section of Troy Municipal Code that prohibits the consumption or possession of alcohol or marijuana in city parks during youth events.

Specifically, the consumption or possession of those substances during any organized youth athletic or other youth event in the park. Youth events include, but are not limited to, league athletics, sports, games, training camps or other youth activities for people 18 years old or younger.

The measure becomes legal after 30 days of the second reading.

Other prohibited acts or activities in the park include practicing golf with any ball other than a limited flight ball with a range of 10 yards or more; bringing or discharging any firearm, air gun, bow and arrow, slingshot, spear, boomerang or any form of potentially dangerous weapon into the park.

Also, swimming in the fish pond, at the boat ramp or other non-designated areas is not allowed. Boats, rafts, canoes or any flotation device are not allowed in the fish pond.

In terms of the noise ordinance, it was an item of great interest at the Aug. 10 work session as dozens of residents showed up to voice their concerns.

At the Aug. 17 meeting, a draft of the proposed noise ordinance was presented. For those who wish to see it and make comments, it is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at City Hall at 301 E. Kootenai.

“We’d like people to take a look at it and offer any suggestions,” Mayor Chuck Ekstedt said. “We want residents and businesses to have a chance to share their comments.”

The draft includes several proposed provisions for prohibited noise. Among them are the following:

The playing of any radio, sound amplification equipment, or any instrument in such a manner or with such volume, particularly during the hours between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., or at any time or place so as to annoy or disturb the quiet, comfort or repose of any person in any hospital or in an dwelling, hotel or other type of residence, or of any person in the vicinity.

This provision was discussed the most due to the fact that some establishments in Troy feature live music performers.

“Maybe make it a little later than 10 p.m. on weekends,” Council President Shawna Kelsey said.

Ekstedt said he thought 11 p.m. may be a fair compromise between 10 p.m. and midnight.

The subject of music performances for special events was also discussed.

It was suggested that a group holding a special event would have to come to the city council to get a special permit. A time frame of 60 to 90 days before the event may be a sufficient window for the permit to be obtained.

Council did agree that bars with music acts - recurring events - wouldn’t have to get a special permit.

The use of any automobile, motorcycle or vehicle so out of repair, or carrying cargo so as to cause loud or unnecessary noice.

Troy Chief of Police Katie Davis said she had a problem with that one.

“It seems to be nitpicky to me,” Davis said.

Ekstedt said there may be a way to silence the train whistle as it passes through town.

“The sheriff (Darren Short) may have found a way for that to happen,” Ekstedt said. “On rail crossings with lights, a signal and arms, we may be able to get train to not blow its whistle. There’d be exceptions, such as is someone was near the tracks, but we may be able to have a quiet zone in town.”