AUGUSTA — City councilors may vote tonight on controversial proposals to ban outdoor speakers at some businesses, pave a section of Western Avenue the state plans to rebuild in 2013 and replace bleachers at Cony High School’s Alumni Field.

Last week, a handful of Augusta vehicle dealers said they rely on outdoor speakers to communicate with salesmen across their often large sales lots. They told councilors the city’s proposed ban — which would affect every business but drive-through restaurants — would hinder their ability to do business.

The Planning Board recommended banning loudspeakers as part of noise ordinance changes meant to address the concerns of neighbors who have complained about businesses with outdoor speakers.

Neighbors have told city officials some of the speakers are so loud they wake them up.

Councilors heard from representatives from major Augusta-area car dealers last week. Most suggested that their businesses be allowed to keep outdoor speakers as long as their sound doesn’t bother neighbors.

So, while the ban is up for a potential final council vote tonight, some councilors said it needs more review, and they may send it back to the Planning Board for more discussion.

“I think we need to go back to the Planning Board and, as a dealer group, with the Planning Board, find a (volume) level that is acceptable that we can all agree with,” said Randy Hutchins, owner of O’Connor Motors, which has multiple sales lots in Augusta. “If I can stay within a (volume) level on my property, which is zoned commercial, I should be able to do so. That’s the solution.”

Councilors are also due for a potential final vote on a proposal sponsored by Councilor Michael Byron to spend about $20,000 from the city’s undesignated account to pave 1,100 feet of two eastbound lanes of Western Avenue, by Smith Street and Edison Drive, this fall.

The state Department of Transportation, according to Commissioner David Bernhardt, plans to rebuild that stretch of road as part of a $5.6 million reconstruction of U.S. Route 202 in 2013.

A proposal to spend $125,000 in money left in an account reserved for the construction of Cony High School, to replace bleachers a Alumni Field at Cony, also is up for council action.

So is a proposal to use $120,000 in downtown tax increment financing money to demolish a decrepit city-owned building containing bathrooms at Market Square downtown.

In November, Augusta voters rejected a plan for the city to borrow $500,000 to buy an ambulance, the new bleachers for Alumni Field and demolish the building at Market Square.

Councilors meet tonight at 7 in council chambers at Augusta City Center.

Councilors are also scheduled to:

* Consider an ordinance change allowing councilors to waive the requirement the police chief live in the city.

* Hold a public hearing and consider granting a liquor license to Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bar.

* Recognize the Augusta Food Bank for 30 years of service to the community.

* Consider adopting a new sign ordinance.

Keith Edwards — 621-5647

kedwards@centralmaine.com

Copy the Story Link