Residents press council on low-frequency noise risk; council orders noise-consultant RFQ

During the call-to-public period a resident who identified himself as Chad (Arbor Ridge) told the council he was "worried about low-frequency infrasonic sound" near a proposed data center two miles from a school. Chad said bass frequencies can pass standard dBA measurements and described symptoms residents have reported in other communities. "Low-frequency infrasonic sound does not behave like normal noise. It shakes everything. You can feel it, but you cannot hear it," he said, and urged the council to adopt octave-band limits (dBC), require continuous third‑party monitoring paid by developers, and set automatic fines and shutdown triggers.

Council staff acknowledged the concerns and stated the city will pursue an independent study. Mike told the council the scientific consensus on low-frequency community impacts is unsettled and the city will solicit an unbiased outside industry expert through an RFQ process. Staff asked for a short timeline and said they will return with a recommended RFQ (target: July 16) for council approval. The council also noted the noise ordinance work is in progress and will be informed by the forthcoming consultant selection.