Student Senate vehemently condemn(ed) a proposed City Council ordinance last night that would require city permission for any band or DJ to perform outdoors in a residential area.
The proposed ordinance is an amendment to Athens City Code that would prohibit the amplified use
production or presentation outdoors in a residential zone by a live band of any make-up or by a DJ without permission from the city or university. It is one of several proposed ordinances aimed at curbing unsafe behavior, particularly at outdoor parties.
A committee consisting primarily of Athens residents drew up the proposed ordinances to present to City Council.
This proposition is aimed at directly interfering with student's abilities to enjoy themselves recreationally while outdoors
said President Robert Leary, the primary sponsor of the senate resolution condemning the ordinance.
This proposed amendment infringes on students' ability to
within reason
respectfully and responsibly listen to amplified sound outdoors
and ... does nothing to improve the safety of these events comprised largely of students
according to the resolution.
Senators Liz Herron, Killian Evans and Robin Jones were on the city committee and abstained from voting on the senate resolution. Jones said this was to prevent any future work on it from becoming awkward.
Athens city officials noted that the amplified-sound ordinance would be primarily related to noise complaints, not safety.
The city receives regular notice - often from other students - complaining about their peers
said councilman Kent Butler (D-1), who called the ordinance an interesting dilemma.
The main concern for the ordinance would be the level of enforcement. Jones, in her presentation of the ordinances several weeks ago, noted that it would not be enforced strictly.
It's easy to wave a magic wand and pass an ordinance
Butler said. But enforcing it is tricky details.
Senators remain concerned it could be used to target students.
We can't assume officers will be lax in interpreting (the ordinance)
said Leslie Albanese, senator for Off-Campus Life.
Senate Vice President Emily Bacha said the next move is to mobilize students so that they are heard at City Council.
In years past when issues have come up in the city
