Individuals residing in unincorporated areas of Putnam County are now limited in how much noise that they can create. At its meeting on Tuesday, April 13, the Putnam County Commission approved a noise ordinance making it a misdemeanor to operate equipment or devises which produce noise levels above 90 decibels for one minute, 85 decibels for 5 minutes, or 80 decibels continuously. The ordinance, modeled after one currently in use in Berkeley County, does allow for certain exceptions between the hours of 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.
The need for the ordinance was made known to the Commission at its last meeting by residents of LaRue Lane, Hurricane. Residents have been plagued by fireworks, loud music, and gun shots from locations on LaRue Lane for years. Sheriff’s Department informed the Commission at its March 25 meeting that the noise and fireworks appeared to be set off for purposes of harassment or intimidation but that noise and fireworks were not in violation of existing ordinances.
The Commission also approved a county fireworks ordinance which limits fireworks to the 4th of July and New Years holidays. Fireworks are allowed in the two days prior to and the two days following the holidays.
In other business, the Commission approved a request from the City of Hurricane to annex 5.07 acres into city limits. The property will serve as home to the new Hurricane Fire Station.
The Commission granted Appalachian Power a right-of-way easement for electric power lines and communication lines to the Putnam County Gun Club in Eleanor.
The Commission discussed setting a bid deadline for emergency repairs to a failing culvert near Lake Chadesa but decided delay to provide contractors time for thorough assessments. County Manager Jeremy Young told the Commission that four contractors were to view the site on Friday, April 16.
The Commission approved a request from Bancroft Mayor Donna McKneely to have the town’s corporate limits be made subject to Putnam County’s Dilapidated and Abandoned Ordinance. McKneely told the commissioners that Bancroft lacked the resources to enforce a municipal ordinance.
The Commission accepted DAEA five complaints and, after finding probable cause, directed the property owners to remedy the conditions cited. The properties are located at 2511 Main Street, Hurricane; 173 Thompson Road, Culloden; C&O property on Scary Creek Road, Appalachian Power property on Scary Creek Road; and Par Industrial. The Commission modified the cited conditions pertaining to the Thompson Road property to include removal of debris created by an April 6 structure fire.
In a separate DAEA matter, the Commission referred a complaint concerning 2793 Peach Ridge Road to be reviewed by the DAEA Board.
