The time came to take the noise off the table. Manhattan city commissioners removed the noise ordinance from the backburner for approval, with first reading approval by a vote of 5-0.
Assistant City Manager Kiel Mangus indicates in the current ordinance there is no language regarding decibel limits. There are two district boundaries, which are Aggieville and Downtown Manhattan and minimum fines for first, second and third offenses. The fines could be 100, 200, and 500 dollars as first and second offenses.
City Commissioner Karen McCulloh says though the ordinance is focused on decibel levels she does not think one party at night is the problem adding the parties that happen night, after night, after night are those that need regulation and ticketed. She believes the ordinance is fair.
Mayor Usha Reddi clarified the time frame is not for quiet hours but it means to adhere to the ordinance as far as decibels. The mayor also indicated there is a sense of reasonableness. And she says Manhattan’s new noise ordinance is so those who have a noise complaint against them will have take it seriously.
Riley County Police Captain Josh Kyle told commissioners there’s current criticism toward the Riley County Police Department. He adds there are steps that must be taken in this process beginning with the creation of a fair ordinance for all stakeholders. The final step is for officers to go out and enforce this ordinance in a reasonable and easy handed manner, says Capt. Kyle.
Officials say previously, in some cases, complications came about because no individual took responsibility for the noise. Now in the new ordinance, anyone in charge: a manager, supervisor, band-leaders, or residents, can be responsible for that noise.
Ryan Bramhall, owner of Tubby’s and Fats in Aggiville, was also at the meeting and curious about possible warnings to those in violation. Mangus explained there’s already a lot of warnings but they’re ineffective with 700-800 noise complaints but only 50-150 tickets written.
Commissioners also passed a guaranty agreement and funding agreement involving the Riley County Police Department for workers’ compensation self-insurance. As earlier reported by K-MAN, the Riley County Law Board approved the moving of funds for a workers compensation reserve fund during their meeting Monday. RCPD Director Brad Schoen discussed the need to have 1.1 million dollars in reserve and how this is being done among RCPD, Riley County, and the City of Manhattan.
And commissioners discussed a hazard mitigation grant program as a positive move for the three properties in the floodplain area including 921 and 939 Village Drive, and 100 Dix Drive. Hopes are this would also assist in reducing flood insurance premiums in the future. This is the first time the city is applying for the grant. The commission authorized $116,000 as the city portion to be used for the project.
