Concerns about noise at two Moran Township businesses are not enough to warrant the adoption of a noise ordinance for the whole township, the board decided after residents and business owners voiced their opinions on the issue last week. The township board then unanimously rejected its own proposal to establish rules about acceptable noise levels.

To avoid conflict of interest, Supervisor Jim Durm, who had filed a noise complaint against a bar , stepped down as the chairperson at a packed special meeting Wednesday, July 22.

Trustee Mark Spencer, who replaced Mr. Durm as chair for the meeting, called for public comment on the noise ordinance that would establish a "quiet time" from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. In the proposed ordinance, no decibel meters would be used to measure noise, Mr. Spencer said, because only certain state certified meters can be used to take noise measurements and would require special training. Plaintiffs would have to furnish a police report stating a noise complaint was made or provide videotaped evidence of the infraction.

Some members of the public were concerned with the ordinance's impact on businesses in the township, enforcement of the rules, and the definition of an "unreasonable" amount of noise.

The public questioned the board as to what would constitute an unreasonable amount of noise. Mr. Spencer replied it would be decided on a case-by-case basis.

Others wanted to know what spurred the consideration of the ordinance. About eight complaints had been received about two businesses, including the single complaint about the bar, Mr. Spencer said.

Jim Fenlon of Old Portage Road told the board he did not think a township-wide ordinance was necessary to address complaints against two businesses. He also expressed concern over the effect the ordinance could have on snowmobile riders.

Lee Ortman, who lives near US-2, agreed with Mr. Fenlon.

"I don't think throwing a blanket policy over the township will work," Mr. Ortman told the board.

Birthday and New Year's Eve parties were brought up by the public, as well. Many wondered how noise would be managed for those events under the proposed ordinance.

Variances could be issued for special events that would allow for louder noise, Mr. Spencer said, but most present at the meeting expressed disapproval of the need to obtain a noise permit whenever they planned to have a party.

Motel owner Jim DeKeyser asked the board to consider the effect the ordinance would have on local businesses, saying a noise restriction on late night businesses may result in fewer customers and reduced revenues.

Kevin Walker, who rents property near one business, was in favor of a noise ordinance but not as the proposed one was written. He contended the 11 p.m. start for "quiet time" was not early enough and allowing unlimited noise before that time would make homes less desirable to buyers and reduce their property value.

Others in the crowd countered the argument, saying a noise ordinance may reduce the value of business property.

Following public comments, board members offered their own opinions on the matter. Mr. Spencer said he received few calls concerning noise issues and believes the noise ordinance is not necessary.

Other members of the board agreed the ordinance would be difficult to enforce without Moran Township having its own police force.

The public was polled as to who wanted the ordinance as it was proposed, who wanted a noise ordinance at all, and who did not want a noise ordinance. Nobody in the crowd wanted the proposed noise ordinance, three wanted some form of a noise ordinance, and the rest of the crowd rejected an ordinance altogether.