03/19/84 Board of Public Works Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING MARCH 19, 1984 APPROVE REQUEST TO OPERATE SOUND TRUCK - DAVID P. JAMES, RAINBOW COALITION OF ST. JOSE-PH COUNTY Mr. David P. James, 714 Portage Court, South Bend, Indiana, representing the Rainbow Coalition of St. Joseph. County was present at the meeting and addressed the Board. Mr. James advised that it is estimated that there are at least 20,000 to 25,000 unregistered voters in St. Joseph County and the Rainbow Coalition believes that it is very important to get individuals to register to vote and to go to the polls on election day. He indicated that.the group has tried.various methods to get people to vote but the most recent method utilized was the use of a sound truck. The sound truck has driven around the neighborhoods inform- ing individuals about voter. registration. Mr. James stated that it has recently come to his attention that certain ordinance requirements must be met in order for the organization.to operate the sound truck and he is requesting; permission from the Board today to operate the sound truck. Mr. James requested permission to use the truck on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, March 20, 22 & 23, 1984 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and on Saturday, March 24, 1984 from 10:30 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. and in some public gathering places until 9:00 p.m. on Saturday. Mr. Hill inquired as to what type of information would be amplified. Mr. James replied that it would be music and talking. The music to be played is an instrumental and vocal piece by the New York music group Grand Master Melle Mel (Grand Master Flash) promoting the candidacy of Rev. Jesse Jackson for President. This is accompanied by a live on -mike announcement indicating that they will be register- ing voters on the spot and urging people to register to vote. Mr. James indicated that the trucks are well marked and safe. Mr. Hill advised that Municipal Code Section 13-57 applies to this type of activity. That section indicates that the Board of Public Works shall have the authority to grant an annual permit to persons who desire to play noncommercial music in public places and the applicant must provide the following information in written form: (1) name and address of applicant, (2) nature of music to be played, (3) times and dates where music will be played, (4) a statement verifying that the music will be noncommercial in nature. Mr. Hill further advised that requirements of the City's noise ordinance must also be met in regards to the decibel levels set forth in that ordinance. Mr. James was advised that the Police Department sound level meter could be used to check the decibel level of the music and message to be amplified. Upon a motion made by Mr. Hill, seconded by Mr. Vance and carried, the above request to utilize a sound truck on the above designated dates was approved subject to Mr. James providing to the Clerk of the Board of Public Works all written information required. Mr. Hill advised Mr. James that should the City receive complaints concerning the sound truck, the Board would have to address that matter. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Board, upon a motion made by Mr. Leszczynski, seconded by Mr. Hill and carried, the meeting was adjourned at 10:03 a.m. o n E. Leszc y s i .char L . Hill A3c ae 44a4hc`_e___ ATT T: SancTra M. Farmer11_ee, Clerk