(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission is considering revisions to the city’s noise ordinance.

The issue was discussed at this week’s meeting as the Commission heard the concerns of three residents who live near the First Street Bar and Grill.

Kale Schrader, who lives at 107 Kansas Avenue, says the noise coming from the bar is a big issue in his neighborhood and his home in particular.  Schrader says its so loud he’s noted what songs are playing in his living room.   He says he’s been in his garage behind his home and can hear the noise from the bar over the radio in his garage.

Schrader said the problem isn’t just on the weekends.  He said the police department has been involved various times during the past 1 ½ years, but the problem still exist.

Leland and Debbie Hansen, who live behind the bar, told the Commission there are also times they hear the music inside their home.  But Debbie Hansen said the profanity she can hear from patrons outside the back of the bar annoys her even more.

Mayor Steffen Shamburg and Police Chief John Defore said the city’s current noise ordinance, created in 1997, is too vague and hard to enforce.  It makes it a violation to create a noise that’s plainly audible from a distance of 200 feet between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m.

Defore presented Commissioners with a sample ordinance from the city of Overland Park that goes by decibel level and  feels is a good place to start.    He said he would like to find a couple of other noise ordinances for the Commission to look at as well.

The issue will be discussed again at the Commission’s next meeting, April 18th.