The singling out of motorcycle noise and dust, which would eliminate Bikefest, was one of a number of concerns voiced by citizens regarding the first draft of Decatur County's Nuisance Ordinance.

Roy Reynolds told commissioners "I don't think you can come up with an ordinance that interferes with my rights as a property owner in America that I could support."

Specific concerns voiced typically followed in the ordinance section "... are declared to be loud, disturbing, and unnecessary noises that constitute a public nuisance"

(c) The use of any siren, other than police, fire, ambulance, or emergency vehicle.
Roy Reynolds stated this would prohibit company and home alarms that have outside sirens.

Mr Reynolds stated the following line would effectively eliminate Bikefest.
(j) The use or operation of a motorcycle that creates noise and/or dust to the level that disturbs persons in the vicinity thereof.

Chairman Rich assured the crowd that they did not want to shut down Bikefest.

Many citizens questioned why motorcycles would be singled out.  Several stated that 4-wheelers create more noise and destroy more property and are much more of a nuisance than motorcycles, and yet are not even addressed in the ordinance.

David Hale voiced a concern for the provision under
Sanitation fee for collection...
(b) The owner(s) of the property which fronts on the right-of-way or which fronts on the public property involved shall be responsible for the payment of all such fees.

Mr Hale stated that it holds the property owner responsible even when an unknown person dumps on the right-of-way.  He stated this would create a problem for his 80 year old mother and 85 year old uncle.

Victor Strickland stated that he owned 21 acres of land on which he has a personal firing range.  He stated he and his children utilize it in daylight hours.  He voiced a concern regarding how vague discharging a firearm "within an area of the unincorporated portions of the county which is developed as a residential subdivision or residential development".  He stated the property next to him was being developed.

The majority of the problems addressed seemed to be the vagueness and lack of specificity relating to what is too loud, too close etc etc.

County Administrator Tom Patton and Chairman Rich stated that the issues raised are the reason for the public hearings.  They assured the citizens that all the issues would be very seriously considered.

(Roy Reynolds also submitted to Commissioners a written statement which has been placed on Talk Bainbridge)

See and Comment in Talk Bainbridge