Beck's Bar owner calls council and police enforcement 'selective' after summer events, seeks apology

Several residents used the council’s public‑comment period to criticize enforcement of the village noise ordinance and to describe tensions between Beck’s Bar, neighbors and local officials after a series of summer events.

Mallory Beckman, who identified herself as owner of Beck’s Bar, said she and her co‑owner met earlier with the mayor and Police Chief Jordan about planned events and were told they were permitted within the village noise ordinance time frames. “We did nothing wrong, did not break any of the village rules or ordinances, period,” Beckman said, recounting that an officer issued a citation to her daughter and co‑owner during a May event.

Beckman described multiple interactions she called retaliatory, including a resident she named as repeatedly reporting the business and recording events, and said the bar had been asked to pay for special‑duty officers in some cases. “This is harassment, plain and simple, and we are done,” she said, adding that the business has long supported local organizations and asked the council to act.

Her daughter, Bryce Beckman, told the council she believed council members had tried to shift event logistics and costs onto the bar so officials could claim credit for community events. A former owner, Mike Havens, said he remains liable on the liquor license while it is still being transferred and described state enforcement actions he said were unresolved.

Council members and staff responded during additional comments and discussion. Councilors and event organizers described steps taken during the contested nights — sound technicians adjusted bass and volume at officers’ requests and event staff cooperated when asked — and several councilors said weather (wind) can increase how far sound travels. One councilor said two officers on scene gave different accounts, creating inconsistency in on‑the‑ground enforcement.

A number of speakers urged the council to review the village noise ordinance and to consider clearer, decibel‑based standards that would give officers black‑and‑white thresholds for enforcement. One councilor said other jurisdictions use decibel meters with specific distance‑based thresholds.

The council did not take formal action on the complaints at the meeting but several councilors said the matter — including whether the village should adopt more specific measurement standards or clearer enforcement protocols — requires further discussion and possible ordinance revision. A council member also suggested the group that broadcast criticisms should be asked to retract or apologize for statements councilors said were inaccurate about municipal actions.

Public commenters named specific incidents and urged the council to resolve inconsistencies so businesses and events can continue without fear of unpredictable enforcement.