Committee forwards revised animal noise ordinance to Common Council after attorney and chief input

The Monroe Joint Judiciary & Ordinance Committee voted to forward proposed revisions to the city's animal noise ordinance to the Common Council following an attorney's overview and input from the police chief.

The city administrator said the revisions follow up on earlier committee direction to change definitions and clarify when animal-related noise rises to a nuisance. Attorney Bardoff said he drew language from several municipalities (Verona, Broadhead, Darlington, Racine) and added criteria officers and courts could use, including whether the noise "greatly annoys or disturbs a neighborhood or any considerable number of persons," volume, time of day, duration and prior warnings. He also said he included language referencing "people of ordinary sensibilities" to reduce reliance on overly sensitive complaints.

A committee member asked Chief Kelly whether the language would be workable in the field. Chief Kelly said such quality-of-life ordinances are "never easy" but that the draft "gives tools to an officer" and makes clear the problem should affect more than a single neighbor dispute. Another committee member highlighted a provision that presumes the owner or person in control is permitting the noise, calling that an important clarification; Chief Kelly agreed.

A member moved and another seconded to forward the ordinance draft to the Common Council; the clerk called the vote and the transcript records 'Aye' from the committee members present. The item will proceed to the Common Council for formal consideration and any public hearing required.