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AGENDA RECOMMENDATION |
1.
City Council Work Session
- Meeting Date:
- 10/28/2024
Agenda Item:
Follow-up discussion on Vehicle Noise Ordinance
Recommendation/Action(s):
Discussion/Direction
Summary:
On August 5, 2024, the City Council reviewed the staff study regarding vehicle noise. At the conclusion of the discussion, the Council directed staff to inquire about whether it was a requirement of the State to both pass the ordinance and then purchase signs from the State of MN to see enforcement. In addition, staff have received feedback from the State Patrol and from MnDOT that the state doesn’t enforce these local ordinances.
Staff did follow up with MnDOT District Office and received an opinion letter regarding the matter; a copy is provided. In short, MnDOT believes, “The existence of a community’s noise ordinance is likely unknown by many motorists, as not all communities have a noise ordinance….It is has been the experience of Minnesota State Patrol District staff that signs such as the State’s R16-X13 (Vehicle Noise Laws Enforced) provide a proactive notice to motorists of unique ordinances that pertain to motor vehicles.” The opinion letter goes on to indicate that Minnesota District Patrol staff would require the signs to be in place for any type of enforcement by their staff.
The letter goes on further to indicate that, “Due to a decision made by Minnesota State Patrol Command Staff in Saint Paul, local ordinances are not included in the eCitation software utilized by the Minnesota State Patrol. As a result, Minnesota State Patrol District staff are unable to write citations, nor provide written warnings, for any local ordinance violations.” They do further indicate that the State Patrol staff in our area would be willing to deploy troopers to educate users with verbal warnings if there were public complaints. This partnership would be based on availability of staff and would compete with the “many priorities given to Minnesota State Patrol staff.”
As discussed previously by the City Council, the Council was willing to implement the vehicle noise ordinance if signs weren’t required. Our research indicates that the signs are required and even with the signs, enforcement is required by the City of Mankato Police staff alone. Based on our previous discussion, no ordinance language is planned to be brought back for consideration.
Staff did follow up with MnDOT District Office and received an opinion letter regarding the matter; a copy is provided. In short, MnDOT believes, “The existence of a community’s noise ordinance is likely unknown by many motorists, as not all communities have a noise ordinance….It is has been the experience of Minnesota State Patrol District staff that signs such as the State’s R16-X13 (Vehicle Noise Laws Enforced) provide a proactive notice to motorists of unique ordinances that pertain to motor vehicles.” The opinion letter goes on to indicate that Minnesota District Patrol staff would require the signs to be in place for any type of enforcement by their staff.
The letter goes on further to indicate that, “Due to a decision made by Minnesota State Patrol Command Staff in Saint Paul, local ordinances are not included in the eCitation software utilized by the Minnesota State Patrol. As a result, Minnesota State Patrol District staff are unable to write citations, nor provide written warnings, for any local ordinance violations.” They do further indicate that the State Patrol staff in our area would be willing to deploy troopers to educate users with verbal warnings if there were public complaints. This partnership would be based on availability of staff and would compete with the “many priorities given to Minnesota State Patrol staff.”
As discussed previously by the City Council, the Council was willing to implement the vehicle noise ordinance if signs weren’t required. Our research indicates that the signs are required and even with the signs, enforcement is required by the City of Mankato Police staff alone. Based on our previous discussion, no ordinance language is planned to be brought back for consideration.