Minutes - Council - 01/27/2026 - Laserfiche WebLink

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believe a single strategically placed sign could substantially reduce complaints and improve the quality of life for nearby residents. Councilmember Riley thanked Police Chief Bluml for his work on the proposed amendment to the nuisance noise ordinance and expressed strong support for the change. He noted that he was the Councilmember who received a complaint about engine brake noise and emphasized that the concern affected the entire neighborhood, not just a single resident. Councilmember Riley stated that residents asked how many complaints were required for the issue to be taken seriously, and he reassured them that a single complaint was sufficient to warrant action. He agreed that the issue was limited to a specific section of roadway rather than a citywide problem and supported installing a single sign to address the concern. He acknowledged that while the solution seems simple, formal action, including an ordinance amendment, is necessary to proceed appropriately, and reiterated his full support for moving forward with the change. Mayor Heineman asked how the proposed engine-brake noise ordinance would be enforced in practice, particularly in situations where multiple semi-trucks are traveling together. He inquired whether enforcement would rely on an officer’s best determination of which vehicle emitted the noise, similar to how MnDOT enforces commercial vehicle regulations, with officers stopping the suspected vehicle to issue a warning or citation. Police Chief Bluml explained that enforcement would be based on an officer’s direct observation, meaning an officer would need to see and hear the engine braking coming from a specific vehicle before initiating a traffic stop. He stated that the department’s primary goal would be education, though citations may be used for repeat violations if necessary to change behavior. Police Chief Bluml added that the Police Department can also partner with the State Patrol’s Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division. If a traffic stop reveals additional concerns, such as unsafe equipment or other violations, officers may request a commercial vehicle inspector or direct the vehicle to the nearby weigh scales in Ramsey for further inspection. Mayor Heineman stated that the proposed enforcement approach sounded sufficient and expressed confidence that education would be effective. Drawing on his own work experience, he noted that once individuals are aware of the law, they generally adjust their behavior, at least in the affected area, and often help spread awareness to others. He voiced his support for the ordinance amendment, stating he believes it will be effective in reducing the issue. Councilmember Buscher asked whether limiting the use of engine retarding brakes could impact the safety of truck drivers or surrounding vehicles, expressing concern about the potential safety implications of the proposed ordinance amendment. Police Chief Bluml acknowledged that engine retarding brakes have legitimate safety and operational benefits, including reducing wear and tear on braking systems. He explained that the proposed ordinance seeks to balance safety and business needs with residents' quality-of-life concerns, allowing engine brake use in emergencies while limiting non-essential use that causes excessive noise. City Council /January 27, 2026 Page 8 of 10