Residents in the Saratoga subdivision want peace and quiet.
However, it is unlikely they will get it anytime soon after local officials say they can’t help enforce noise control at Q Cell.
Robert and Leona Silka, one of seven families in that subdivision, came to the Cartersville City Council meeting Thursday night looking for solutions. They were told by City Attorney Keith Lovell the city can’t do anything because the company isn’t violating any city codes.
The Silkas state the constant noise prevents them from sleeping. They can’t raise their windows. Leona Silka, 77, states she has to wear earplugs at night to try to sleep and, many times, has to move into a quieter room because of the noise affecting their bedroom.
Lovell said the city doesn’t have a decibel limit for noise but that code enforcement determines if noise is a nuisance. He said a code enforcement officer looks at complaints coming to the city and Q Cell brought in a noise consultant. The consultant’s study given to the city and it indicated the company hadn’t violated any city codes.
The area involved includes both Cartersville and Bartow County areas. Robert Silka said they filed a complain with Bartow County, but nothing was done. He said they have been living with the excessive noise for more than a year. He said they aren’t the only ones upset about noise.
“I could probably get 100 people who would want to pursue this,” he said.
In other business, the council got their first conceptual plans for Founders Oak Park, an area designated for the new city hall. It will include a new fountain, a play area, and a new oak dedicated as a replacement for the Founder’s Oak taken down last Friday.
The Founder’s Oak won’t be the only tree change downtown. The city approved $23,000 for a new Christmas tree and all the trimmings.
Other business included:
Approving two crosswalks at the intersection of Douthit Ferry and Pine Grove Roads. The cost is $21,000.
Approving roof and upgrades for the Station 2 fire station on Peeple’s Valley Road. It will cost $45,473 to make the improvements on the 23-year-old building.
Replacing the digital control system for the HVAC in the Public Safety Headquarters after staff said it doesn’t work with the interface. The cost is $30,000.
Passing a resolution to change banks for the Georgia Fund 1 account that is associated with the water and sewer bonds. The change will save on interest, according to city officials.
A look at the city’s goals for 2026 that include improving the alcohol ordinance, changing aspects of business licenses, and improving sidewalks. Mayor Matt Santini said one goal of increasing the homestead exemption has been accomplished with the issue on the city ballot in November.
Melody Dareing is a freelance writer for publications in the U.S, Canada, the UK and Germany. She is a former news director of Adelphia Channel 4 and WBHF Radio. She is on Facebook, X, YouTube, content on Substack, and has a podcast on Rumble.