Two items were discussed at this meeting.

• The subject matter of the proposed amendment to the noise ordinance. A resident who had previously brought up this issue to Council submitted an email explaining they were unable to attend and the email was included in the record. It was noted that there have not been complaints like the past about community festivals or block groups (none this summer that have been brought to Council). Since past action appears to be sufficient, no action was taken but the item remains in committee.
• The subject of amendments to the ordinance related to cloth coverings on fences. Ordinance and Inspection Director Jerome Hanna was present and explained that current ordinance requires fences to be see-thru from the street side unless they have a privacy fence with neighbor/ZBA approval. Some exceptions exist because the fence ordinance wasn’t put in place until 1997 and those were grandfathered in. It was noted that while an occasional fence covering does not necessarily distract in a neighborhood, a large number could alter the aesthetics of a neighborhood. Residents can petition for a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals and it was determined that that remains the appropriate action. This item will be removed from the committee.