WORTH TWP — Supervisors and residents collaborated on a noise ordinance at Tuesday's meeting that stemmed from complaints about a music festival last fall.

The board approved a motion to advertise an ordinance with some changes made following discussion with residents.

“I think it was a good compromise,” said Chairman Fred Brezel.

If approved, the ordinance would establish a permit procedure for an event using amplified sound systems.

The key component of the ordinance would allow amplified sound systems to be used between the hours of 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and between 10 a.m. and midnight Friday and Saturday.

The township has no noise ordinance.

Residents voiced their concerns with some points within the proposed ordinance.

Resident Debbie Schneider and others took issue with the initial ordinance's not enforcing the hours on loud events taking place indoors.

Sparked by Resonance Music Festival

Schneider's comments and those of her peers were inspired by conflicts with the Resonance Music Festival at Cooper's Lake Campground in September. At the time, residents made numerous complaints about noise from the festival.

“In that barn, they played from 12 a.m. to 4 a.m.,” Schneider said.

Many residents said they heard or even felt the music at inappropriate hours, despite the main stage being moved into the campground's barn.

“My child was affected. She couldn't sleep for two months after this,” said resident Rob Rathbun. “We're asking you to protect us.”

Supervisors made changes based on conversations between residents and the board.

Fred Brezel said he was hoping to enforce the ordinance on outdoor events and exempt indoor events, so as not to intrude on residents' personal lives. He suggested acting cautiously when a change could have a blanket effect.

“The residents felt that it was not sufficient that it should apply across the board,” he said. “As far as the building goes, even if you're inside, it'll apply.”

Fines proposed

An event violating the ordinance could face a fine of up to $1,000 and have its permit revoked. Multiple violations could result in a ban from obtaining future permits.

James Brezel, president of Cooper's Lake Campground, said he has taken action to ensure future events are more respectful to township residents. He said he has adapted his contract with the Resonance Festival and other events to incorporate many of the requirements in the proposed ordinance.

“I can understand their reaction,” James Brezel said. “I hate putting any of our neighbors out. I'm doing the best I can to make sure that I can allay some of these fears.”

Throughout the debate, residents said they believed Fred Brezel has a potential conflict of interest.

Fred Brezel is the father of James Brezel and is employed at the campground.

“He doesn't really have a stake in it,” said James Brezel.

Residents pleased

At the conclusion of the meeting, Supervisor Brian McMurdy asked if those still in attendance were pleased with the progress made.

His question was met by nods and comments of approval.

Rathbun said he appreciated the supervisors' willingness to work with residents on the issue.

“I tend not to dwell on those kind of things. I'm just looking for a solution, so the same thing doesn't happen again,” he said. “I'm glad they're close to a vote, because summer is coming and that's the time this ordinance would really make a difference.”

Schneider said the issue was debated and resolved in a manner that can help people remain neighborly.

“It was a big concern last year — over 100 people we got to sign a petition to say that this kept us up for four days,” Schneider said. “I really think we're all working together to do this as a community and still keep being neighborly with one another, not to make something so unfair.”

Process took time

However, some comments were made throughout the meeting that the process of instituting the policy was dragging on.

McMurdy said he was looking forward to resolving the issue and supported the time that supervisors spent working on the ordinance.

He said the process took time because the board had to check with its solicitor and follow regulations for putting the ordinance together.

“I was a little disappointed in some people thinking we should instantly respond to this incident,” McMurdy said. “They should understand that we're not law enforcement. We have to follow the guidelines. It takes some time.”

The Resonance Music Festival returns Sept. 17 to 20 at the campground.

The festival's leaders had attended past township meetings and said they were willing to resolve the issue at future events.

A representative from the music festival could not immediately be reached for comment Wednesday.