City council passes noise ordinance
Staff reporter
The thump-thump-thump of car stereos will be against the law in Hillsboro.
Hillsboro City Council approved a draft ordinance at the Feb. 6 meeting which will go into effect when it is published in the city's official newspaper, the Hillsboro Star-Journal.
The ordinance not only prohibits loud music from vehicles but includes the excessive use of horns and other signaling devices, loud speakers, amplifiers, exhausts, and noises that could be associated with loaded vehicles in transit.
Law enforcement will use their judgment when it comes to implementing the new ordinance.
The use of stereos, musical instruments, or other machines or devices for producing or reproducing sound that disturbs the peace, will be prohibited.
The ordinance states that music should not be a "louder volume than is necessary for convenient hearing for the person or persons who are in the room, vehicle, or chamber
Originally the ordinance would be enforced between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. but the council agreed that the acceptable noise level should be maintained all hours of the day and night.
Any person violating the ordinance could be fined up to $500.
The entire ordinance is published in the "public notices" section of this edition.
In other business:
— City officials are awaiting a list of prospective companies to pursue from Buxton Business Consultants.
— The council approved an ordinance which authorizes the construction of the city's new sewer treatment plant.
— City administrator Larry Paine reported that a new maintenance worker position has been created in the city's street department.
— Following a 75-minute executive session to discuss acquisition of property, the meeting reconvened with no decisions.
— The regular council meeting adjourned and a work session was held to discuss the city's strategic plan.
