Those who know me have probably by now noticed I wear hearing aids; I have for a number of years. If you have seen me at meetings in Council chambers lately you may have noticed I have started using the earphone attached to a small box. This is a device used to enhance the sound in the room for the hearing impaired.

Back in the 70s I was working in lumber yards and doing quite a bit of saw cutting and I’m told this is likely the cause of my hearing loss. I have learned the damage that exposure to high decibels can do.

I relate all this because I hope it will provide some perspective on where I am coming from in writing this about the recent noise ordinance.

My question is simple – what is all the noise about?

I understand that some noise can be disturbing, particularly if someone is trying to relax and get some peace and quiet after a hectic day.

Note also, as Mayor Kavanagh stated at last week’s meeting, that sounds can do surprising things on a clear night, or morning, in these hills.

At the time of the casino standoff over slot machines at Fort McDowell, for two weeks the pow wow drums emanating from the site of the casino location could be heard every night just as clear as if it were across the street instead of two or three miles away.

It’s true that loud, obnoxious noise from a party next door can be disturbing, but Sheriff’s deputies are experienced in addressing those situations.

Captain Dave Letourneau told the council they use a “reasonable person” standard. If a reasonable person considers it loud and obnoxious then it probably is.

The new ordinance proposal does not include such a standard.

Deputies say the most common noise complaint they receive is barking dogs, usually this time of year and in the spring when windows are open.

While it is certainly fair to complain about a barking dog (I frequently complain to mine but her hearing is worse than mine so she doesn’t listen), if a dog is breaking 85 on the decibel meter 30 feet away, I don’t want to mess with it.

While there is nothing wrong with getting information and expert opinions from lawyers and consultants, they do have a tendency to over-complicate the situation.

I was nowhere around for the incident between CopperWynd and its neighbors. I understand it was a wedding and I get that “YMCA” and the “Chicken Dance” can rub people the wrong way. But it appears that management and ownership at the resort have been cooperative and have even offered to allow the town to study noise at one of their events.

I think most people in business would behave in this manner and work to address any complaints, as it appears they have in the past.

In 2010 complaints about noise from a wine bar at Plaza Fountainside triggered the original discussion about the noise regulations. For various reasons it was set aside until this past spring and the new complaint – five years later. Is there really a problem that needs this much effort?