The Minot City Council approved new lighting and noise ordinances on Monday, which impose a $150 penalty for violations. The noise ordinance sets residential decibel limits at 60, an increase from the previous 55, and allows for the operation of equipment such as generators within residential areas if they are in working order. Although the council passed the ordinances unanimously on their first reading, concerns were raised by residents like Kent Bahl, who reported excessive noise from a neighboring generator and advocated for stricter regulations. City officials indicated a willingness to revise the ordinance further to better address community concerns. The lighting ordinance restricts potentially disruptive features like searchlights and strobe lights while outlining exemptions for specific public lighting scenarios. A second reading of both ordinances will be necessary for final approval.