Resident questions noise-ordinance language that would require an officer warning

A speaker at the Wilkes-Barre City Council meeting raised objections to language in a recently distributed draft "voice" (noise) ordinance that limits enforcement to sounds audible 50 feet from a structure between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. and appears to treat a single law-enforcement warning as required before enforcement.

"There's a section here that I find to be very ambiguous," the speaker said, pointing to the clause that would limit operation of amplification devices "between the hours of 11 and 7" and that states "after only 1 warning from law enforcement personnel or any agent of the city shall be [treated as evidence of a violation]." The speaker said the 11 p.m.–7 a.m. framing could leave problematic daytime noise unaddressed and argued the mandated-warning language would inappropriately remove officer discretion: "If it's that bad, it's that egregious, the police come. They can give a warning if they would like ... I think that line keeps tripping that out."

Another participant said they also circled the 11 and 7 language and agreed there should be reconsideration. A different speaker suggested attaching specific fine amounts for noise or quality-of-life violations to the ordinance to give enforcement clarity.

The speaker said they would send an email proposing language changes and recommended the council take the item up at a future meeting. The supplied transcript records discussion and concern but does not record any formal amendment, vote or final action on the ordinance.