The Fishers City Council failed to pass a change in the local noise ordinance. There were 4 votes in favor, 2 not in favor.  Because only 6 of the 9 Council members were present at Monday night’s meeting, 5 votes were required to pass the new ordinance language.

Councilors Bill Stuart and Cecilia Coble voted no on the change.  Both said the change may not have gone far enough.  Council President Coble later asked if she could amend her vote to yes and was told once the vote was taken, should could not change her vote.

The new ordinance before the Council would reduce the decibel level to 80 decibels, down from the current 90 decibels passed by the Town Council 10 years ago.  The failure of the vote Monday means, at least for now, the decibel level required to violate the ordinance will remain at 90.

Councilor Stuart made a motion to amend the decibel level to 75, but that failed for lack of a second.  The original proposal at last month’s Council session was 70 decibels, but complaints from two establishments resulted in a postponed vote and discussions on a acceptable decibel level.

Both Councilors Stuart and Coble said they had received a number of complaints by residents close to certain businesses that the noise levels were too high, even to allow small children to sleep.  Residents also complained about patrons of some businesses filling their neighborhoods with parked cars.

Mayor Scott Fadness said he is exploring other ways to handle this issue through zoning laws, but no conclusions have yet been reached on that approach.

It is very possible another noise ordinance will be proposed, but city staff would need direction from Council members on the next steps.