Commissioner Ann Tandy-Sallee said at the Oct. 25 Planning meeting that commissioners had heard during public comments at recent meetings complaints apparently resulting from a lack of enforcement of the town’s noise ordinance. She wondered if Planning should remind council to request better enforcement.
Commissioner Susan Harman asked what the process was for a noise complaint and what the follow through would be. Chair Pat Lujan said his understanding was that police write down complaints and there is a formal written complaint form at city hall. Harman observed Planning does not get any of this information and asked if there a reason Planning should even be involved.
Economic Development Coordinator Glenna Booth commented commissioners do not know there is no enforcement, and it becomes a police matter.
Lujan noticed Planning hears only the comments from the public, but Tandy-Sallee again stated it is up to council to back up the public comments. Harman pointed out Planning could be the voice for those who speak up at meetings, but something is missing in the process if commissioners do not know the rest of the story.
Commissioner Melissa Greene commented, “Noise is not for Planning to decide upon,” though commissioner James Morris observed noise issues could influence their decisions. Greene said Planning could add noise considerations to their requirements so that, even though Planning is not enforcement, commissioners have a standing for doing something.
Lujan suggested they add it to their list of future considerations.