At last night’s City Council meeting, the first for newly elected Councilor Kristin Szakos, Council selected the new mayor. He turns out to be the old mayor
Dave Norris, who was re-elected, had nominated Holly Edwards, noting that “in many ways Holly Edwards has become the conscience of City Council and has a vision for this community.”
Edwards, in turn, declined the nomination and said that the office of the mayor should be an elected position and that she believed the office should promote continuity. She nominated Norris, who, ultimately, was selected again as mayor. Edwards is the new vice mayor.
But aside from procedural matters, Council was asked to consider an amendment to the city’s noise ordinance that would decrease the allowable noise in commercial Belmont from 75 decibels to 55 after 11pm. The noise issue was fueled by last year’s rezoning application of 814 Hinton Avenue.
“We feel that is a reasonable level. It is very low,” said Jim Tolbert, director of Neighborhood Development Services. According to Tolbert, 55 decibels is loud talking rather than normal conversation.
“My feeling is that we are being asked to make a big decision very quickly, and I think we need to make a decision,” said Councilor David Brown.
“I think we need to improve things in Belmont, probably in some other neighborhoods, but I am a little worried that we don’t have enough information to know exactly what we are doing."
Ultimately, Council decided to hold a second meeting to give residents the chance to voice concerns and bring forth their ideas.
