Fargo is likely to loosen its 10 p.m. noise ordinance to accommodate two of its biggest summer events: Rib Fest and the Blues Festival.
City commissioners on Monday directed the city attorney to draft an ordinance amendment that would allow the city some discretion when it comes to its 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. quiet hours. The change would still need approval.
Without an ordinance amendment, the city can't do much with requests from Rib Fest and the Blues Festival for a one-hour noise extension.
"An ordinance is an ordinance," said Fargo Mayor Bruce Furness, explaining why the city can't just grant the groups a waiver.
Both want their headlining bands to play until 11 p.m. With the Blues Festival, that would mean John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers could play later. At Rib Fest, the bands affected are Johnny Holm, Rick Springfield, Night Ranger and Trick Pony.
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Rib Fest is hoping to be able to keep low-level radio broadcasts going until midnight, while people file out of the parking lot.
Michael Brooks, sales director with Rib Fest co-sponsor Go Radio Group, said he thinks the requests are reasonable. After all, there are other activities that go beyond 10 p.m., such as F-M RedHawks baseball games.
Brooks said he thought neighboring residents would appreciate having advanced notice of the late-night noise as opposed to being miserable not knowing when it's going to stop.
Still, North Fargo resident Myla Alsaker said she is concerned about not having a quiet hour she can count on. Alsaker said she doesn't like having to go into her house in the summer and close the windows just to get some peace.
"We have a lot of noise pollution in our neighborhood," she said. Alsaker urged commissioners to look at what the citizens need, and realize that this problem could eventually affect property values.
Dave Anderson, president of the Downtown Community Partnership, spoke in favor of the city having some leeway with its noise ordinance.
"The current ordinance is restrictive ... it's even more restrictive than we realize," Anderson said.
Currently, two people standing 10 feet away from each other couldn't have a conversation after 10 p.m. without breaking the law, he said.
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Anderson, involved with organizing summer events like the Downtown Street Fair and Third Thursdays, said he doesn't have any specific time extension requests as of now, but it would be possible if the city moves forward.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Mary Jo Almquist at (701) 241-5531
