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PaperclipPerfector  1mo ago (text post)   2939 thread views

Small-Scale Question Sunday for January 19, 2025

Do you have a dumb question that you're kind of embarrassed to ask in the main thread? Is there something you're just not sure about?

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Could I get some copy-editing / a vibe check on this letter to my representative in a ~200kPop city?

[Greeting with correct title]

I'm a resident of [City name] [correct district]; I'm very grateful that the City Council is taking the auto noise problem seriously, but I have some concerns about the bill that's being introduced to address it.

The current version[link] of the proposed noise ordinance would limit “first offense” fines for all classes of auto noise to just $50. At the city council meeting, it was claimed that this would empower [XXPD] by bypassing the current state-wide “fix-it ticket” policy, which currently allows nuisance auto owners to indefinitely dodge accountability for intentional engine noise.

However, my neighborhood is currently plagued by stereo speaker noise, and it looks like the existing county-level noise ordinance[link] provides in [§XXX] and [§YYY] for fining the operators of loud car stereos up to $500 per day, without any kind of “first offense” limitation.

At the direction of [City]'s representatives with [the online portal for reporting all issues, including noise], I have already tried calling the police about the stereo noise issues in my neighborhood, several times; but the noise is still occurring every day.

If [XXPD] is already struggling to enforce the law less than a mile away from a “$500 maximum fine for loud stereo” sign, I'm very concerned about the current bill stripping away 90% of the deterrent potential for stereo speaker noise.

Unlike a loud muffler (which could plausibly be “broken”), there is no excuse for blasting loud stereo music in city limits. Buying, installing, and then cranking up the volume on those systems is a very intentional act, and I would be very surprised to hear that [XXPD] is obligated to issue “fix-it tickets” when no plausible mechanical problem exists — is that really the reason [XXPD] has not been prosecuting stereo noise?

If not, I'd ask that we find some way to empower enforcement efforts that doesn't involve surrendering 90% of our deterrent power for so-called “first-time” stereo noise offenders.

  • The proposed bill as-written seems to drastically lower the maximum penalties; could it simply be re-written to make those prescriptions into minimums, instead — at least when it comes to speaker noise?
  • If [City] still has a contract with Flock, could we get some audio LPR cameras on key intersections in the nuisance neighborhoods, particularly at the [intersection that affects me the most]?

Thank you for your time,
--
[name]
Residential Address: […]
Mailing Address: […]

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