PENNSYLVANIA: Motorcycle exhaust noise presents issues

OFF THE WIRE

http://www.timesleader.com/TheDallasPost/news/Motorcycle_exhaust_noise_presents_issues_06-26-2011.html
Motorcycle exhaust noise presents issues By EILEEN GODIN Dallas Post Correspondent
In an effort to curb loud noise from altered exhaust systems on motorcycles, random safety checks may pop up around Harveys Lake throughout the summer.
Borough attorney Charles McCormick said he is not a big fan of noise ordinances because of the pressure it puts on the local police force. However, random safety checks may be the solution to limit the amount of excessively loud motorcycles, he said.
This comes after a problem of loud rumblings of motorcycles was brought to the council’s attention last month by resident Rob Weaver.
Weaver, who said he is not against motorcycles in general, does not like the extremely loud noise generated when the bikes’ exhaust systems are altered. Upon research, Weaver learned that some motorcycle owners purchase kits to boost the decibel levels of their motorcycle. These kits make the familiar deep low rumble of the motorcycle a loud disruptive roar.
In his research, Weaver learned that Harley Davison, a motorcycle manufacturer, has a warning not to alter its bikes’ exhaust systems due to inspection purposes.
He also presented council members with a noise ordinance from the Lancaster area, hoping to get a hybrid of the ordinance implemented in the borough.
McCormick said he had looked over the ordinance, stating it was very broad, “covering everything from construction noise to motorboats.”
Council member Boyd Barber commented on one very loud motorboat on the lake this spring. Weaver said this ordinance could prohibit that but McCormick responded by saying the borough does not have any jurisdiction on the lake waters.
“I am not adverse to doing something on the motorcycles,” McCormick said. “This ordinance is very broad and could have other implications.”
Police Chief Charles Musial said the safety checks could make a difference. During spot safety checks, police would look for exhaust systems that may not have passed state vehicle inspections and motorcycles not displaying current registration stickers.
“Lets try this first,” Musial said.
In other news …
• An amendment was made to the zoning ordinance, allowing for the residential use of townhouses in a commercial district. When the zoning ordinance was updated about two years ago, this was mistakenly omitted.
• Council members accepted the resignation of Kevin Novackowski from the General Municipal Authority Board. Novackowski moved outside of the borough and could no longer serve, reported secretary Susan Sutton. He has three years remaining on his term.
Mayor Clarence Hogan, who was not in attendance, was nominated and appointed to the position by a vote of 6-1. Council member Diane Dwyer voted against the appointment, saying she would rather see the position opened to the public first.