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Noise Ordinance Fight Continues In North Vernon

Last updated on Friday, January 27, 2017

(NORTH VERNON) - The fight over North Vernon’s Noise Ordinance continues. Mike Barnes, with Phat Guys Sports Bar & Grill, approached the city council earlier this month after his business, located at 312 Hoosier Street, was cited multiple times by police on complaints of excessive noise.

During this week's council meeting, WKKG (wkkg.com) reports, the neighbors responsible for the majority of the complaints gave their side of the argument. Flo and Arthur Dixon have lived in their home, near the bar, since the mid 80s. The Dixons say the noise from the business, patrons and their vehicles is too much.

The couple also told the council that individuals working at and visiting the bar have targeted them for harassment due to the many complaints they have lodged with police. Barnes denies that allegation. The Dixons also complained about at least North Vernon Police Officer, claiming that the officer "lies" when he is dispatched to investigate a noise complaint, reporting back that the noise coming from the bar is not unreasonable.

NVPD Chief James Webster took issue with that, quickly coming to the defense of his officer and calling the Dixon's accusation "unfair" and "not true."

Barnes again told council members says that he can't follow an ordinance that doesn't include measurables to let him know when his business is in violation.

While no official action was taken, members of the council urged both parties to try to work together. The body also agreed to consider altering the ordinance and purchasing meter to monitor decibel levels.

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