Palmetto Gray Area Widens with Noise Ordinance Decision

BRADENTON -- Palmetto's City Commission meeting started out with all the commissioners trying to define the current noise restriction policy compared to what they were being asked to adopt. In terms of legal advice, City Attorney Mark Barnebey told them "it could be what you want it to be." 

Palmetto Mayor Shirley Groover Bryant

After exchanging a few of the commissioner's interpretations of the currently adopted "special function" permit that many assumed was without noise restrictions, commissioners realized those permitted really weren't exempt from the restrictions in the code.

The reason the city adopted an ordinance for "special functions" was to accommodate generator noise created at events. Barnebey said  "... other than that issue, the process pretty much worked the way it had worked before."  He added, "Now, if they have a permit until 10 p.m., we can't do much about it until then." Currently there is no time limit on how late the permit can be applied for.

Board President, Mayor Shirley Groover Bryant, said she was willing to put the discretion completely back in the police chief's hands. Their policy was; If there is a complaint, an officer would give a warning, and if the police were asked to return to the complaint, they would shut them down and write those who violate the ordinance a ticket.

Commissioner Tambra Varnadore said, "I think it's better not allowing the permit."

Under public comments, Jane Hunter pointed out that it still isn't clear in any document what "noise" really is. Could it be an ice cream truck?" she asked. Hunter owns ands runs "Slick's" a business in Palmetto that has out door music at times.

The mayor concluded the judgement will have to be on a case by case situation by the officer.

On that note, all commissioners became agreeable and voted 5-0 to repeal the special function permit and Mayor Bryant called the meeting adjourned.