DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) - Officials in an eastern Iowa city are divided over whether high school and college stadiums should be exempt from a noise ordinance.
The Dubuque City Council rescinded a vote on the proposed ordinance change this week so that officials could more clearly define the exemption, the Telegraph Herald reported. Council members originally voted 4-2 to approve the first reading of the ordinance change.
City Attorney Crenna Brumwell said the change would permit noise from campus events within stadiums, including marching bands, from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 9 a.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
Some members argued that the exemption would restrict residents who live near stadiums from addressing excessive noise levels.
“The neighbors were upset because there were practices from 5 o’clock in the afternoon until 9:30 that night and constant music going on,” said council member David Resnick.
Luis Del Toro also serves on the City Council and lives near the University of Dubuque stadium. He said noise is expected, but that loud recorded music played over loudspeakers during practice is the problem.
Other council members expressed concern over the current ordinance interfering with marching band and drum corps practice.
“While I understand the point of wanting to be supportive of the citizens, I would make the case that the young people practicing their art, they are in need of some support as well,” said council member Kevin Lynch.
Council members will revisit the matter during a Dec. 4 meeting..
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Information from: Telegraph Herald, http://www.thonline.com
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