Franklin sets 55-decibel limit for Milwaukee Milkmen games, says no to postgame fireworks

Franklin's common council denied the use of postgame fireworks and approved a sound level cap for Milwaukee Milkmen games in an effort to quell residents' concerns about excessive noise in the surrounding neighborhoods.

The council voted to approve a 55-decibel maximum sound limit at the May 7 council meeting, which lasted over seven hours and covered many topics related to The Rock and Ballpark Commons.

The action is in response to a temporary use application by ROC Ventures for the 2024 Milkmen baseball season at Franklin Field. The application, complete with the 55-decibel limit, will next go to Franklin’s plan commission for review and approval.

The council's action included a condition that ROC Ventures must submit a noise report from an independent consultant to the City of Franklin no later than 90 days after the start of the season.

In a quick vote, Franklin’s council also chose not to allow fireworks to be used after Milkmen games in 2024. No real discussion was had on the reasoning behind the vote. Ald. Michelle Eichmann suggested the fireworks motion be reconsidered for further discussion but had no support.

Is 55 decibels enough?

The 55-decibel limit wasn't the only option the council considered.

City documents for the meeting indicated another option of up to 79 decibels was on the table. However, Ald. Mike Barber made the motion, saying 55 decibels, which is part of Franklin's ordinance, is “where I think we need to set a baseline.”

Ald. Courtney Day said she was also comfortable with the 55-decibel threshold.

“I think that’s more than adequate,” she said.

The level is five decibels higher than the 50-decibel daytime maximum recommended in a sound study conducted at The Rock. That study also suggested 45 decibels at night.

The study identified noise levels between 52 and 55 decibels at various points around the perimeter of the sports complex during Milkmen games. It also found fireworks at Franklin Field reached levels between 77 and 84 decibels.

Nelson expressed concern about possible future complaints as the ambient sound level that was measured during a test on May 6 was in the low- to mid-50s decibel range.

“I’m just cautioning,” he said.

Nelson, who was on-site for the recent sound check, said he thought the sound level was a reasonable amount. He also said the “neighbors appeared satisfied with what they’re hearing” during the test.

Contact Erik S. Hanley at erik.hanley@jrn.com. Like his Facebook page, The Redheadliner, and follow him on X @Redheadliner.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Franklin sets noise limit for Milwaukee Milkmen games at Franklin Field