(Casper, Wyo.)- A group of more than 300 motorists and bikers brought the noise last night to Casper City Council. Around 300 Natrona County residents attended last night’s meeting to voice their thoughts against amendments to the Casper Municipal Code pertaining to the noise ordinance.
City Manager John Patterson commented before the public comments and said, “When the warm weather came, the complaints came to us. Working with City Attorney Bill Luben, we put in some modifications to the city ordinance aimed at making them more understandable. Tonight should be a good time to hear from our citizens about these changes.”
City Attorney Bill Luben was asked to speak up during the meeting as he also discussed the ordinance alterations and commented, “We talked to a lot of different folks, states and the American Motorcycle Association about what they have done about noise levels. We looked at a wide range of statistics and statutes about it and we want to focus on the noise. The noise of rapid acceleration, tires squealing, burn outs, and things that are beyond the norm. We worked to create a simple ordinance that gives officers a goods step towards striking balance.”
Councilwoman Kenye Schlager commented that council was looking for a partnership at the meeting.
“We seek to make a campaign a campaign similar to the Pipe Down Campaign a few years ago. We want a campaign not a law.”
First up to speak in favor of the ordinance amendments was long time Casper resident, Mary Lou Morrison. The brave Morrison spoke to council and a large group of people in her opposition.
She began detailing what brought her to Casper and how she has been involved in the Casper community for many years.
“I appreciate this town and I live on the first block South of 2nd Street. When my windows are open in the Summertime, I have noticed that in the last three to four years as this city has grown, an extreme increase in the noise and the racing and roaring of vehicles down 2nd Street. There is too much time for this noisiness and it is a way for these people to get attention. I think council should consider moving forward with this.”
Morrison was the only person in attendance to speak against the ordinance, while a handful of others took to the lecture and spoke to council in opposition.
First up was Casper resident, Jim Porter, the Treasurer of a local Hog Chapter.
Porter commented, “You cannot judge book by its cover. My neighbors, Veterans and others are here tonight not as bikers but as people. There is a lot of arbitrary language in this new ordinance which leaves discretion to law enforcement. Should we put a noise ordinance on loud table saws, law mowers and weed eaters? It is the stupid, immature citizens who don’t have any sense who have created this noise pollution. ”
Casper resident, Marley Troutman (aka Harley Marley) addressed council and commented, “This is not only a motorcycle issue. My neighbor has a loud diesel truck that is running early in the morning. I have learned to just go along and get along, as we all should.”
Mark Reed addressed council and told them that this is more of a reckless driving problem than a noise problem.
Army Veteran and motorcyclist, Tony Olivas advised council that “Things tend to snowball in this town and if you pass this, it will continue to snowball and lead to more laws.”
Casper resident, Frank Flanigan brought a noise meter to council and commented, “If you guys plan to pass this then you should do it the right way. Give decibel meters to officers to monitor the noise. I am happy to help the Casper Police Department and anybody who needs their vehicles’ noise checked.”
Other comments came to council as “My bike is loud and I don’t care,” “This ordinance is very subjective to law enforcement,” “All of these amendments are already covered in previous ordinances and statutes,” and “What is the need for another ordinance?”
The consensus of the meeting was in opposition of the ordinance alteration. Council was then left to consider the testimonies and vote on the ordinance amendments.
Councilwoman Kenye Schlager commented before the votes were cast, “You guys all kick butt, it is great to see so many of you coming to speak tonight. You guys are one of the strongest groups to make this happen in our city. I encourage you all to get together and pursue the Pipe Down Campaign again this year.”
“I am all for not making rules if they are not needed, ” said Vice Mayor Daniel Sandoval.
Councilman Shawn Johnson commented that the new ordinance has been completely unnecessary and that he planned to vote against it.
Councilwoman Robin Mundell, revved up the crowd when she commented, “I too understand the urge to rev up my Mustang, and I don’t think we need to be stressing our resources on this ordinance.”
“This is an important part of the democracy process. It is important that we have these public disclosures,” said Councilman Ray Pacheco.
Before the votes were in, Mayor Charlie Powell spoke and concluded, “I am impressed with the public comment. Thank you all for responding to the situation. City Attorney Bill Luben and City Staff made a good faith effort to update the ordinance. They did it in the best interest of the public and they were seeking a balance between the interests of the public. Laws come about because there is a problem, and we had citizens sending us emails and calling about the noise. Your public testimony tonight is powerful.”
Council then unanimously voted in favor to strike down the amendments and continue into other business.
