Mic check: Neighbors somewhat satisfied after test of new noise limits at The Rock

FRANKLIN, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The latest chapter in a contentious nearly decade-long relationship between neighbors and the owner of an entertainment complex began Thursday night, May 8, as ROC Ventures ran a sound test under new, higher noise limits approved this week by the Franklin Common Council.

Neighbors near the complex were angered by the council's decision to increase the noise limit to 65 decibels for Milwaukee Milkmen games and other special events, while a handful of other events were allowed to operate at 60 decibels.

The previous limit was 55 decibels. ROC Ventures owner Mike Zimmerman told the council he could not continue to operate minor league baseball at Franklin Field under those restrictions.

When Zimmerman arrived at Thursday's soundcheck, he immediately began questioning one of the neighbors present, Dana Gindt, about whether she'd enlisted someone to conduct her own test elsewhere on the property.

"This is your own secret operation," Zimmerman said. "It's a private property, Dana."

Gindt admitted she'd asked someone to take readings at the south end of the complex. The official test happened at the property's western edge, where a berm separates the complex from a subdivision of houses.

Zimmerman left before the testing began.

With a police sergeant monitoring levels, the noise did not come close to reaching the 65-decibel limit as the complex played music at "show level" from the ballpark.

Mike Atkins, who previously worked for ROC Ventures, returned as a consultant to conduct the check. He said he'd tuned the speakers one day earlier and hoped that'd help improve the results.

Gindt said she was hopeful the results from Thursday would continue into the Milkmen season.

"Last year, the Milkmen games were fine. So, if they are operating the way they just tested it, that would be exceptional," she said. "I haven't heard from any of the neighbors in their homes, which is great, but my concern is the Umbrella Bar, which was actually the source of all the noise complaints last year."

Atkins did conduct a test of sound from the Umbrella Bar, which is closer to the houses. It was noticeably louder, particularly the level of bass.

Neighbors noted the louder volume, and one called the bass level "unacceptable." The police sergeant left after the first test, so there was no formal reading for the bar test.

Atkins was able to dial down the base; Gindt and other neighbors said it was an improvement, although Gindt said some were texting from their homes about the volume still being too loud of their liking.

Overall, the neighbors appeared mostly satisfied with the results, although they said were still uneasy about whether that will continue into the summer.

Milwaukee County Board Supervisors Patti Logsdon and Kathleen Vincent were also at the check. Both supervisors said they will continue to follow the situation. Another board supervisor, Steve Taylor, works for ROC Ventures, although his district does not include the complex.