Further consideration of a new noise ordinance for Langley has been pushed back.

Mayor Paul Samuelson said Wednesday that a first public hearing on the issue has been removed from next week’s city council agenda and rescheduled for June 7.

Samuelson said Police Chief Bob Herzberg and Finance Director Debbie Mahler, who are fine-tuning a draft ordinance, have asked for more time to do research.

Their effort is in response to criticism raised this past summer, when some downtown residents and merchants said loud outdoor music, shouting and late-night “industrial noise” is disruptive.

The city council promised to try to resolve the situation in time for this year’s summer outdoor events.

An original draft ordinance presented to the city council last week was crafted from noise ordinances on the books in several small cities in Washington state.

It spells out recommended limits on noise coming from audio equipment, construction and vehicles, and “yelling, shouting, hooting, whistling or singing” on or near public streets.

Events and outdoor activities authorized by the city would be exempt, as would emergency vehicles and situations.

Although fines would be spelled out in the ordinance, perhaps as much as $500 for a first offense, Herzberg said that the goal is to find a “common-sense approach.”

Meanwhile, the city council is expected to approve a 6-percent increase in the utility tax paid by city water users outside the city limits when it meets next week.

The council meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday, May 17, at city hall.