SLIPPERY ROCK TWP — With several massive parties causing problems last year, township officials hope for more restraint this year from party goers as the weather warms up and outdoor parties become more common.

On Aug. 22, 2015, police were called to The Grove apartment complex during its Epic Pool Party because two Slippery Rock University students were injured.

Another incident took place on Sept 3, 2015, at the University Village apartment complex off Kiester Road. The complex hosted its annual block party where five visitors were taken to a hospital.

That night, 14 students were taken to a hospital from the block party and other events.

These activities and numerous other calls led to the township on Dec. 14, 2015 passing an ordinance governing outdoor sound systems and outdoor entertainment, according to Richard Grossman, a community planning consultant for the township.

“Most of the problem has been large events that are publicly promoted,” he said. “The problems are noise from large speaker systems brought in by professional bands, and because the events are bringing in so many people, there start to be trespassing and littering issues too.”

The ordinance calls for temporary permits for outdoor sound systems when used at a business, parks and multiple family dwellings.

According to Karen Connell, secretary and treasurer of the township, letters including the updated ordinance were sent to the apartment complexes that serve college students to notify them of the change.

Meagan Reed, general manager of The Grove, said the complex will host another end-of-year pool party in late April or early May. The party continues to be for residents only, plus one guest each.

Reed said the complex does increase its security presence during the event to keep track of who is attending. A hydration station will include water, free food and first-aid supplies in case of minor injuries.

Reed said the complex is obtaining the necessary outdoor sound system permit for the party.

“The Grove is under new management as of the first of this year, and our new management company, Asset Campus Housing, is fully committed to the continuous improvement of our property,” she said.

“We are looking forward to working with the township and the community to ensure the safety and comfort of students and residents alike.”

Luv Desai, property manager at University Village, declined to comment other than to say that the complex will work with the township on social events.

The complex’s Facebook page has announced that the 3rd Annual SpringFest will be on April 28.

For Grossman, the private parties typically do not cause problems, but the major events are the most problematic.

“What we were trying to carefully do is balance the ability of people to live their lives, which sometimes includes parties, against the peace and right to quiet use and enjoyment of neighboring properties,” Grossman said.

“When an event like (a private party) becomes a nuisance, it’s actually affecting the ability of the neighbors to enjoy their property rights. So we tried to carefully balance those things.

“It was a response to numerous complaints by neighboring property owners. It was an attempt to balance the needs of the student community and the year-round property owners.”

Grossman is confident the ordinance will help keep larger events under control.

“The apartment complexes were one factor in us choosing to adopt this ordinance,” Grossman said.

“They seem willing to meet the ordinance. It’s not a particular onerous fee. They can continue the party all night, they just have to stop the outdoor musical performances at 10 p.m. on weeknights and 11 p.m. on weekends.

“In addition, permitting requires the notification of all property neighbors at least seven days ahead of the event and a traffic flow plan to say where all of the event attendees will park.”

While Slippery Rock has its own police department, the township does not, according to Connell.

The borough police do not assist with party problems in the township, which is state police jurisdiction, according to Terry Fedokovitz, borough police chief.

Grossman said the need for the permit reduces the need for patrolling enforcement, and he said the state police in Butler have been attentive and helpful when situations have happened previously.

“The state police have really done an excellent job,” he said.

For Fedokovitz, the problem probably won’t change any time soon.

“There’s parties every weekend. There’s nothing new, nothing different,” Fedokovitz said. “Nothing’s changed for us ... I don’t think it’ll change.”

At SRU, the administration has not notified students of the ordinance change since this is considered a township issue, according to Robb King, SRU associate executive director for communication and public affairs.

Representatives from SRU student government did not respond to requests for comment.