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Resident reports amplified music and gunfire; council and sheriff's office discuss enforcement options
Summary
Diane Bennett told the council amplified music and recurring gunshots near her West Haechstrom neighborhood rattle windows and continue after deputies leave. The council discussed the town noise ordinance, use of a sound meter by the sheriff's office, civil penalties and 911 for shootings.
Resident Diane Bennett told the council she has experienced persistent loud amplified music and gunfire near her home, sometimes from early evening into the night. "It's the same situation...they have a band under with amplifiers," Bennett said, describing music that can rattle pictures and continue for hours. She said prior complaints resulted only in deputies asking the music to be lowered and the noise resumed after they left.
Council and the town attorney discussed options for enforcement. Scott Simpson summarized the noise ordinance and noted the town has a sound-meter and certification for use; civil penalties were cited in the ordinance (a warning for a first violation, $500 for a second, $1,000 for third and subsequent violations). Officials agreed to start by requesting a sheriff's response with a meter reading and recommended residents call 911 for shootings. Council emphasized the need to document complaints and enforcement responses and discussed whether the ordinance text (decibel thresholds and quiet hours) is the latest version; staff said the most recent codified ordinance appears to date from 2021 and agreed to verify the current language and enforcement process.
No immediate ordinance change was adopted; council directed staff to coordinate with the sheriff's office, confirm the active ordinance text and pursue enforcement when violations can be measured or when public-safety threats (gunfire) are reported.
