Council approves first reading of noise and environment changes including boat‑motor limits and basketball‑hoop exemptions

The council considered broad amendments to Chapter 22 (environment) intended to make nuisance and noise rules more enforceable and administrable.

City Attorney Tom Trask said the ordinance allows basketball hoops that are permanent and anchored by a weighted base, moves dollar limits for administrative fees into a resolution for flexibility and replaces vague provisions ("yelling, shouting") with enumerated, enforceable items. On boat motors the ordinance would prohibit operating a boat motor out of the water between 6 p.m. and 7 a.m., and would limit out‑of‑water motor operation to 30 minutes in any 24‑hour period.

The changes prompted questions about enforcement and exceptions (holidays and specific time windows). One councilmember warned the draft could generate fines against well‑intended homeowners and observed: "I think the ordinance stinks," expressing concern about enforcement discretion and unintended consequences. The city attorney said the revision is intended to make enforcement clearer and to allow fee amounts to be set by separate resolution.

After discussion the council approved the ordinance on first reading by a 5–2 vote; it will return for a second reading where final text will be confirmed.

Sources: City Attorney presentation and council debate on Ordinance 2026‑03 (SEG 2412–2725).