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Franklin resident urges independent C-weighted sound monitoring at Rock Sports Complex
Summary
A Hawthorne neighborhood representative told the Common Council the Rock Sports Complex's monitoring system and police measurements missed lower-frequency noise and that an independent acoustic study with C-weighted measurements is needed.
During the public-comment period of the City of Franklin Common Council meeting, a resident identified as Dane, representing the Hawthorne neighborhood, urged the council to hire an independent acoustic consultant to evaluate sound from the Rock Sports Complex.
Dane (Hawthorne neighborhood representative) told the council she reviewed the Milwaukee County sound study and audio recordings and said the city's monitoring equipment and the police measurements did not capture lower-frequency sound. "Low frequency noise is only measured by C-weighted decibels," Dane said. She said the police presentation in December had asserted there were no exceedances but that the police monitors do not record below about 74 decibels and therefore would miss the 55–74 dB range the summer concert series uses.
Dane also told the council she had collected roughly "1,300 complaints" and said monitors near past events had been turned off, citing an example where a west monitor was "off" from 5:30 a.m. until the next morning during Face Fest. She said officers who were on site did not file measurements or incident reports for excessive noise and profanity.
Why it matters: Dane argued the city's current A-weighted monitoring is not appropriate for measuring the low-frequency sounds typical of live entertainment and recommended the city hire a consultant with outdoor live-music expertise who can take C-weighted measurements, review staging and speaker orientation, and ensure monitoring devices are calibrated and maintained.
Council members asked clarifying questions during public comment. Mayor Nelson asked for clarification on "C decibels," and Dane replied, "C as in Charles," explaining that A-weighted monitors are aimed at mid- and high-frequency sounds, while C-weighting captures low-frequency energy that can carry farther.
No formal action was taken during the meeting on the noise-monitoring request; the item was presented during the public-comment portion and will require staff follow-up if the council directs it.
