ISHPEMING –The Ishpeming City Council will consider adoption of two new city ordinances after hearing a second reading during its regular meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday at city hall.

The proposed changes are a result of an effort by City Attorney Bonnie Hoff and city administration to update or replace existing ordinances to make them compliant with current state laws as well as modernize the language to reflect changes in technology.

An updated version of an existing ordinance originally adopted in 1995 prohibiting the purchase, possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages by minors in accordance with, and provided by state law which dictated fines for violations, but did not spell out other possible consequence.

According to the proposed ordinance, the first violation of the ordinance would result in a fine of not more than $100 and may result in an order to participate in substance abuse prevention services or substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation.

The second offense would result in a fine of not more than $200, and could result in imprisonment for not more than 30 days if the court finds the individual has violated an order of probation; failed to successfully complete treatment, screening or community service ordered by the court; or failed to pay any fine for that conviction or juvenile adjudication.

Two or more prior convictions or juvenile adjudications for violation of the ordinance may result in not more than 60 days imprisonment, and a fine of not more than $500.

A new noise ordinance will also be considered by the council.

Under the ordinance it would be unlawful for any “person, firm, business or corporation to make or cause any loud, unnecessary or unusual noise, or any noise which annoys or disturbs, injures or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace, or safety of others within the city.”

Violations of the proposed ordinance could include a continuous horn, signaling device or compression brakes or “any harsh and unreasonable loud sounds emanating from a motor vehicle,” according to the ordinance.

Other violations could include TV sets, musical instruments, loudspeakers, amplifiers or other machines or devices for producing or reproducing sound; continuous yelling or shouting on the public street at any place or time; the keeping of any animal causing long and continued noises; and the operation of electric motors, compressors or internal combustion engines on parked vehicles or other construction equipment between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.

The exceptions to the ordinance would include police or fire department vehicles and ambulances responding to or engaged in an emergency or any department of public works trucks while engaged in snow removal or other necessary city function.

Violation of the proposed ordinance is considered a civil infraction resulting in a fine of $50 for a first infraction, a second violation within a 12-month period would result in a fine of $100, and a third violation within a 12-month period would result in a civil fine of $500.

The council will also consider a resolution approving a grant application for reconstruction of tennis courts on the corner of North Pine and Empire streets and a trail connection at the Ishpeming Playground Park.

Lisa Bowers can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 242. Her email address is lbowers@miningjournal.net.