Kellyton adopts noise ordinance, more
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By Christa Jennings
Senior Staff Writer
The Kellyton Town Council addressed old and new business during its August meeting, including a noise ordinance the Council had adopted.
With no meeting in July because of the lack of a quorum, during this month’s meeting Mayor Johnny Sharpe reported that Noise Ordinance 2026-05-05 was adopted and that public notice had been made, following the Council unanimously approving the ordinance at its June meeting.
At that meeting the Council reviewed the updated proposed ordinance with some changes made and discussed it before unanimously approving the noise and nuisance ordinance.
The stated purpose of the ordinance is to “protect, preserve and promote the health, safety, welfare, peace, and quiet for the citizens of Kellyton through the reduction, control and prevention of excessive noise.”
The ordinance reads that “the creating of any unreasonably loud, disturbing and unnecessary noise for an extended period is prohibited.”
The ordinance does allow property owners a way to hold events on their property through a permit process, though the quiet hours set forth in the ordinance would still apply from 10 p.m. through 7 a.m.
Regarding such instances, the ordinance reads, “If at any time someone within the town limits of Kellyton desires to host an event on their property, they may request a permit from the mayor and Council to host such an event. Guidelines will still apply such as no music or excessive [noise] after 10 p.m. even with a granted permit.”
Additionally the ordinance covers specific acts that are prohibited relating to music, vehicles, tools or equipment, air regulator brakes, and more, as well as certain exceptions.
For “general applicability” the ordinance states that it is “not intended to prohibit engagement in any legitimate business activities so long as such activities do not unreasonably interfere with the use and enjoyment of surrounding residential and commercial areas. Such things that would cause a negative impact to surrounding residences or other commercial properties is prohibited.”
Regarding other old business, it was reported that all of the town’s annexation paperwork was completed and that Judge of Probate Richard Dean had recorded it in the Probate Office.
The Council also discussed the annual Kellyton Christmas Celebration, which will be held at the Kellyton Civic Complex from 5 to 8 p.m. on December 5. The Council discussed potential new ideas to implement this year to have something different.
While no action was taken on the matter, some ideas mentioned for consideration included horse and buggy rides, a photo booth, food trucks, single-serve ice cream cups, and a cake walk.
The Christmas Celebration is free to attend, and the town is currently accepting applications for vendors. Those interested in being a vendor can contact Town Clerk Karen Keel at 256-786-1703 or reach out to the Town of Kellyton Facebook page.
Regarding new business, the Council discussed having Mayor Sharpe serve as an ordinance officer for Kellyton until the town can finalize a contract with the Sheriff’s Office to provide such coverage.
Information was presented to the Council reflecting that in a small municipality, such as Kellyton, the mayor serves as the chief executive officer responsible for “seeing that laws and ordinances are executed” and that “serving uncompensated as an ordinance enforcer does not violate dual-office or profit prohibitions.”
As such, it was discussed that the Council could appoint Sharpe to enforce ordinances until the town can get an agreement to the legislature in February and hire someone for that role.
Additionally, it was reported that if the town can prove it has police enforcement in town then it can get a 1% tax on businesses nearby.
Following discussion, the Council unanimously approved appointing Sharpe as the ordinance enforcer for Kellyton.
The next regularly scheduled monthly meeting of the Kellyton Town Council will be held Tuesday, September 1, at 6 p.m.
