BELFAST — The Belfast City Council will hold its regularly scheduled meeting today, March 16, at 7 p.m.

Topics of discussion for the meeting include an update from the Climate Crisis Committee on their current work and activities, and flying an Irish flag, among others. 

Meetings begin with a roll call of Belfast Mayor Eric Sanders, and City Councilors Mary Mortier, Neal Harkness, Michael Hurley, Brenda Bonneville, Paul Dean, in addition to City Manager Erin Herbig, and Administrative Assistance Manda Cushing. 

The City’s Climate Crisis Committee was established in March 2018 and meets the first and third Wednesday of each month from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. in City Hall. 

The mission of the committee is “to catalyze actions throughout the Belfast community for a sustainable future while adapting to climate change.” 

During Tuesday’s City Council meeting the Crisis Committee will give an update of the group’s activities and current work. 

Three items included in the business portion of the meeting involve proposed Ordinance amendments designed to address noise and public conduct. 

There will first be a presentation on the proposed ordinance amendments to Chapter 34 Miscellaneous Offenses, Article II Noise and Public Conduct, section 34-31.

According to a March 11 Manager’s Report from City Manager Erin Herbig, at the Feb. 16, City Council meeting, the Council “directed City Attorney Bill Kelly to review and develop an updated Noise and Public Ordinance that addressed amplification of noise, incorporated a standard for excessive and unreasonable noise that could be measured using a sound meter and incorporated a permitting process.”

Kelly reportedly worked with Belfast Police Chief Gerry Lincoln, in addition to Director of Code and Planning, Bub Fournier, to address their thoughts and concerns regarding updating the ordinance to be effective. Providing uniform enforcement was also discussed. 

The proposed amendments were read to the City Council at their scheduled March 2 meeting, and the Council requested additional amendments to be included during the second reading.  

There will also be a public hearing on the proposed ordinance amendments, in addition to discussion and possible action on the proposed amendments. 

Another item on the agenda is a request from the Belfast Chamber of Commerce to fly the Irish flag from City Hall on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17. 

Belfast City Council meets the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. Meetings are conducted online using Zoom and can be streamed on the City of Belfast website. They also air live on BEL TV and on Belfast Community Radio at WBFY 100.9. 

Erica Thoms can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com