This is a transcript of a conversation I've been having with jeff about the noise ordinance, I'm posting it here because I think it will help to clarify where Jeff's position which was a little unclear to me before. -ross

hello jeff,

I had a few questions for you regarding the noise ordinance you support. I am curious what your vision of downtown olympia is, and if it is your intention to push live music out of downtown? If this is not the case how do you see the music community and this ordinance living side by side? thanks for your time. -ross

Hi Ross,

This has nothing to do with "pushing" live music out of downtown. Have you read the proposed amendment? It is considerably more liberal with regard to decibel level than Seattle's ordinance. Seattle continues to have a lively and thrving music community. My own business engages in music, sometimes quite loud, that continues after 10:00 PM, so I can assure you the music community is not in jeopardy. (We are a musical theatre venue, with fully amplified productions, including numerous rock operas.)

The city has been, for some time, attempting to bring a rich array of housing options downtown. Our first housing project is slated to break ground quite soon adjacent to Olympia Federal Savings. Over 100 units. This ordinance addresses the concerns that have been brought to us by a handful of current downtown residents, regarding their ability to live in quiet enjoyment after reasonable hours. Certainly those in the music and nighclub industry woud support similar ideals in their own neighborhoods. I would encourage you to read the proposed amendment, research what other cities have done, and see if you come to the same conclusions I have.

The council would enjoy hearing from you, as well as others, regarding concerns. Please feel free to address us at any time.

Best regards, Jeff Kingsbury

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Hi Jeff,

thank you for your quick response. I agree that folks living downtown deserve a degree of peace and quiet. My understanding of the ordinance amendment is that it would prohibit sound in excess of 60-65db (about the volume of a normal conversation) as measured from the property line of the sound source during the daytime and lower then that at night. Is this correct? I have worked as the building manager of the eagle's hall and a festival organizer for what you got fest last year. The events at the eagle's hall, what you got fest, and almost every music venue downtown all fall well within that range. I would like the chance to meet with you and the council and share some of my concerns in person. I also have some first hand knowledge of the adverse effects of similar ordinances in seattle and bellingham as well as some successful models in redmond, kirkland, and bellevue.

thanks for your time -ross

hi jeff,

I was curious if you had time to read the last message I sent you. I am unclear about the specifics of the ordinance you have proposed and would appreciate some clarification. It seems to me like expecting a city center used by thousands of people each day and each night to maintain a volume level of two people having a conversation is pretty unrealistic. 65 db? and 5-10 db quieter at night?

I can hear downtown all day from the east side neighborhood, there's planes, construction, kids at recess, the school bell, and music from the neighbors. these are all signs of a busy and healthy community. Let me know if there is a time we can get together and discuss this in person.

thanks! -ross

Hi Ross,

I've been on vacation. (I actually answered the first time from CA!) The planes, construction, kids, school bells, etc that you hear would have to register CONTINUOUSLY at 65 db for 15 minutes at a time to be in violation. AND, the sound must be measured from the location of the complainants property. So, for example at the Eagles. I have stood (many times, by the way) on the street in front of the Eagles during events...wedding receptions, battle of the bands, etc...and the sound directly adjacent to the building would NOT be in violation. (Our ordinance, is 65db at its strictest, I believe, but I'll check that to be sure) I seem to recall a neighbor a few blocks away complaining about an Eagle's event a year or so ago...that was quite loud well into the wee hours of the morning. Our police actually responded to that gentleman and concurred that it was too loud, and extended for longer than a 15 minute period. I don't recall the resolution, but there haven't been more complaints, so I'm assuming it's been resolved.

If a nightclub is BELOW residences and it's summer and all the doors and windows are open, as was the case several times last summer, then that would likely result in a violation. People who live in the downtown might reasonably have their windows open in the summer heat, just for airflow...a relatively common practice. At night, when violations would most likely occur, this would only be an issue where there are residences, or other businesses that are in operation. I know of only a handful of those. I would be happy to discuss it in person, but I'm not likely to change my mind. Reasonable level of sound bothers me not one whit...infringing on a neighbor's quiet enjoyment does.

JK