HomeMy WebLinkAboutVIII-16 Approve Installation of a Sign to Address Engine Braking on TH 316 City Council Memorandum
To: Mayor Fasbender & City Council Members
From: Ryan Stempski – Public Works Director/City Engineer
Date: March 30, 2023
Item: Approve a Resolution Confirming that the City will Enforce Vehicle Noise Laws Along TH 316
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Council is requested to adopt the attached resolution to enforce vehicle noise laws and pay for MnDOT to install a
sign to that effect along TH 316.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The City has received several complaints regarding engine braking noise from vehicles traveling along TH 316 that are
slowing down to navigate the recently installed improvements near City limits. Regulatory signs, such as the “Vehicle
Noise Laws Enforced” sign shall be used to inform road users of selected traffic laws or regulations and indicate the
applicability of the legal requirements. If someone were to exceed the noise limits set by Minnesota Statutes, whether
by not having a muffler or by using an engine brake, it would then be enforceable by law enforcement. Keep in mind,
these Statutes are enforceable with or without a sign.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Once we send the resolution to MnDOT, they will determine the location of the sign and prepare a work order to have
the sign fabricated and installed (when MnDOT crews are available). We anticipate these costs to be $1,500 and fall
within our routine street sign maintenance budget for 2023.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff is recommending that the City Council move forward in adopting the attached resolution to confirm the City will
enforce vehicle noise laws along TH 316, so that a sign to inform vehicles can be installed.
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CITY OF HASTINGS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION 04 - - 23
A RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THAT THE CITY OF HASTINGS WILL ENFORCE
VEHICLE NOISE LAWS ALONG TRUNK HIGHWAY 316
Whereas, Trunk Highway 316 is a major roadway through the City of Hastings, that crosses many
different types of zoning districts, including residential and commercial; and
Whereas, the City Council finds that in order to protect the public health, safety and general welfare
of the community, signs that indicate the City will enforce vehicle noise laws on this highway would be
beneficial to educate and inform the drivers who travel this highway; and
Whereas, “vehicle noise laws enforced” signs are permitted on conventional highways, such as
Trunk Highway 316 with the permission of the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT); and
Whereas, MNDOT has evaluated Trunk Highway 316 and determined that there is space to place
such noise enforcement signs along this highway; and
Whereas, prior to installing such noise enforcement signs, MNDOT requires the City Council to
pass a resolution stating it will enforce Minnesota Statute, Section 169.69 (Muffler) and Minnesota Statute,
Section 169.693 (Motor Vehicle Noise Limits); and
Whereas, the City understands that it will be required to pay for the cost of the fabrication and
installation of such vehicle noise enforcement signs.
Now therefore be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Hastings as follows:
1. The City of Hastings, through its Police Department, will enforce Minnesota Statute, Section
169.69 (Muffler) and Minnesota Statute, Section 169.693 (Motor Vehicle Noise Limits) along
Trunk Highway 316; and
2. The City will pay for the cost of the fabrication and installation of such vehicle noise
enforcement signs installed by MNDOT.
Passed this day of , 2023.
Mary Fasbender, Mayor
Attest:
Kelly Murtaugh, City Clerk
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