It will take legislative action to establish a noise ordinance in the county.

That’s what county commissioners told Indigo Loop residents who want “something done” about the noise coming from River Seven, the Gantt Lake restaurant and bar.

Three residents – Mary Alyce and Barry Outlaw and Joe Cameron – spoke on behalf of the neighborhood. Each told how loud music in the early morning hours and other disruptive behaviors are affecting their neighborhood.

“Things are getting worse and worse,” Mrs. Outlaw said about activities at the former Buckboard site as she described instances of loud music, trash, drag racing and general disturbances.

Reports show that deputies were called to River Seven six times since its October opening for a multitude of issues.

Cameron – who “lives 121 feet from the back of (the River Seven) building” – said he’s afraid an accident will occur and said the noise level is sometimes unbearable.

“This issue doesn’t need to be swept under the rug,” Cameron said.

Mr. Outlaw cited an incident that occurred at 3:30 a.m. Thanksgiving morning before saying, “We’re not out to shut them down, but all that we ask is – if we don’t have a noise ordinance, how do we get one?”

Chairman Bill Godwin said that local legislators, Rep. Mike Jones and Sen. Jimmy Holley, would have to address that during the next legislative session. The first step, County Administrator Brenda Petty said, is that the commission would first have to unanimously support and adopt a resolution asking for legislative help.

Godwin said before that happens, commissioners must first review the business description given by River Seven owners when its retail alcohol license was approved.

“We have to see what they promised us,” Godwin said.

In other business, the commission:

• heard from Cecil Messick, who requested the paving of Harts Bridge Road;

• authorized the EMA director to proceed with a $125,000 grant to construct two community shelters at the county administration office, as well as to seek bids for the project. Petty said the approximate cost for the project is $150,000 with the county match at $30,000;

• authorized agreements for three ATRIP projects – the repaving of a .992-mile portion of Lindsey Bridge Road, 5.25 miles of Airport Road and Opine Road;

• adopted the 2014 holiday schedule;

• approved Mon., Dec. 23, as a paid holiday for employees not receiving a one-time pay supplement for the holidays. Petty said CCSO, revenue commission and probate employees are scheduled to receive the supplements;

• amended the county personnel and pay plan to add a general laborer category; and,

• authorized a $3,500 appropriation to hire a part-time Covington Area Transit System (CATS) driver.