With the recent disagreement between the Hunt Street Block Party hosts and Ames Police regarding their party that expected more than 3,000 guests, it remains up to partiers whether or not to attend that or similar parties, said Jim Robinson, investigations commander for Ames Police.

Robinson encourages partiers to use their best judgment when deciding whether or not to attend parties. Just as party-goers are using their judgment, Ames Police will be using theirs when determining if their presence is required at a party. 

“[What we look for] ranges from the noise, littering within the neighborhood, public urination and possession of alcohol underage,” Robinson said. 

The maximum level of noise is 60 decibels between 7 a.m. and midnight, and midnight to 7 a.m. it lowers to 55 decibels, according to the city of Ames website. The sound is measured at the end of each street or alleyway. 

When a complaint is received, a measurement of sound may be taken at the location in which the property is disturbed. If charged with noncompliance, the recipient will be tried in the Associate District Court for a simple misdemeanor and could be charged with court fees up to $115 or 30 days in jail, according to the website. 

“Ultimately, we don’t want a party to become so large where the hosts can’t control their guests,” Robinson said.

Parties with beer kegs have their own criteria as well. Before holding an event where more than one beer keg is to be used, a permit must be obtained from the Ames Chief of Police, Charles Cychosz, who holds the applications. Permits may be obtained only by an individual, not corporations, associations or groups of people, according to the website. The permit must be obtained at least 24 hours before the event.

“We have enhanced staffing throughout the whole weekend, like every VEISHEA,” Robinson said. “When we have an influx that is several thousands of people in our community, we do enhance our enforcement actions.”

It’s not just Hunt Street that Ames Police will be monitoring, Robinson said. Their goal is to keep everyone safe throughout the community.