City Council unanimously approves first reading of party ordinance for second time

Adam Duberstein, a resident of Orange, shows his support for the Orange City Council’s proposed amendments that would strengthen the current party ordinance. The Council unanimously approved the first reading of the amendments for the second time April 12. Photo by Allie Camp

The Orange City Council once again unanimously voted to pass the first reading of proposed amendments that would fortify the current city party ordinance, making it increasingly punitive toward party hosts and attendees.

The April 12 meeting was originally supposed to involve a final reading of the amendments, as the original first reading took place on March 8. However, the ordinance’s language has since been updated for clarity – necessitating an additional first reading.

The further amendments to the ordinance were merely for purposes of clarification, and no significant changes were made, the council members said.

“(The changes are) very minor, however I think because the changes were made, I thought it was appropriate to bring this back for a first reading,” said City Attorney Wayne Winthers.

The changes to the language include specifying that persons attending an unlawful gathering can only be cited if they are engaging in unruly or disruptive behavior, and clarifying that hosts may only avoid receiving fines if they call the police to request that their party be dispersed before receiving noise complaints from neighbors.

Winthers stressed that the ordinance will not be punitive to persons not directly involved in a disturbance.

“The individual has to be doing something more than just walking by at the time, or chatting in the front yard,” Winthers said. “There has to be some indication that they are contributing to the party – there has to be something more than just mere presence.”

The additional two sections of the ordinance remain unchanged.

A significantly increased amount of Orange residents spoke at this meeting as opposed to the one that took place March 8. Many expressed gratitude toward the Council for its brisk and harsh action toward noisy residents.

“Just know that your residents and voters are standing behind you,” said Brian Lochrie, an Old Towne resident and business owner.

The final reading for the ordinance will take place as early as May 10, with its implementation 30 days later.

Check back later this week for more on this issue.