A noisy discussion of Middleburg's draft noise ordinance highlighted a high-spirited Town Council Meeting on November 13. Town Administrator Jerry Schiro hinted strongly that Council would be "pleased" by the forthcoming annual independent audit of the Town's finances; the Town's Historic District may be expanded in an effort to combat "MacMansionism;" Economic Development Director Pearson Cindy Pearson presented an extended written report on plans for Christmas and the year ahead; and Council unanimously approved a resolution supporting designation of Route 15 as an "All American Road."

Noise Noise Noise

Last month, prior to receiving public input, Town Council asked Town Planner and Zoning Administrator, David Beniamino, to compile comments and suggestions for improvement of a proposed new noise ordinance from current Town Council Members and members of the Town Planning Commission. The new noise ordinance, if and when enacted, will touch nearly every aspect of community life audible across property lines, including live and recorded music, car radios, fireworks, deck parties, revving Harleys, construction noise, and more. Public input on the new ordinance will be solicited and hearings scheduled in the weeks ahead.

In the meantime, copies of the draft ordinance and comments to date may be seen at the Town Offices. Town Planner David Beniamino has also encouraged anyone with questions or suggestions to contact his office at 540-687-5152, or email him at townplanner@middleburg.org.

Ironically, Beniamino's measured discussion of input to date was interrupted on Thursday when Mayor Betsy Davis noted that he had apparently been seized around the neck by what eye witnesses described an extremely loud tie. With council members and bystanders holding their ears, making pointed comments (and, according to unreliable sources, watching paint peel from vibrating walls) Davis called on Police Chief Steve Webber for help. Happily, Beniamino himself took the screaming tie in hand, confined it tastefully inside his jacket, and completed his report. Seasons Greetings.

In the absence of a relevant noise ordinance, no arrests were made or fines levied. Chief Webber, however, was reported to be keeping detailed records of the number of times the offending tie was mentioned by Council... for reasons, as yet, undisclosed.