As tourists invade family neighborhoods a cacophony follows.

Lake Geneva is fast becoming THE wedding, bachelor, and bachelorette party town of the Mid West.

Lake Geneva, WI – In a move aimed at enhancing the quality of life for its residents, the Lake Geneva City Council has passed an amendment to its Loud and Unnecessary Noise ordinance, making it enforceable around the clock. The decision was finalized during a council meeting held on September 23, 2024.

City Council President Mary Jo Fesenmaier advocated for amendments to the proposed ordinance, proposing the introduction of specific hours for “especially” enforced noise violations. This approach was intended to provide police with discretion in addressing complaints. However, her proposal met resistance from several council members, who raised concerns over the potential for confusion regarding enforcement times.

Alderman Ken Howell emphasized that the original decision to eliminate designated hours stemmed from feedback provided by the Police Department. He argued, “Part of the reason we’re moving the times in the first place came from the Police Department. Putting the times on there at all muddles the waters as to when they can enforce it and when they can’t.”

City Attorney Dan Draper echoed Howell’s sentiment, warning that the proposed amendment could complicate enforcement efforts. “Now you’re saying the police have to make a discretion as to what is loud and unnecessary during the day and what is loud and unnecessary during the night,” Draper cautioned. “It’s muddying the waters, and I don’t think I can prosecute it.”

Despite these concerns, Alderperson Linda Frame remained supportive of the amendment, which limited enforcement to nighttime hours from 9:00 PM to 7:00 AM. “I still want to enforce it the way it was before,” she asserted.

The council’s deliberations revealed a fundamental divide over the ordinance’s intent and implications. Alderman Joel Hoiland supported the 24 hour enforcement, stating, “I agree with Alderman Yeager. I think that this does clear up the enforcement prosecution piece of it. It also makes it very clear that the police have the ability.” Mayor Todd Krause added that the request for changes came directly from the police, highlighting the necessity for a clear enforcement strategy.

The vote reflected this division, with six members, including Council Vice President Cindy Yager and Alderpersons Sherri Ames and Ken Howell, voting against Fesenmaier’s amendment. Only Fesenmaier and Alderperson Peg Esposito supported it.

As many Council members noted, the need for this amendment arises from Lake Geneva’s identity as a popular destination for wedding celebrations and parties, leading to increased noise levels that have sparked resident complaints. The newly ratified ordinance aims to provide a framework for addressing these disturbances, ensuring that residents can enjoy their homes without the intrusion of loud and unnecessary noise at any hour.

City Lake Geneva Loud and/or unnecessary noises.