City of Oak Creek

Common Council Report

Meeting Date: April 3, 2006

Item No.:        

Recommendation:  That the Common Council discuss the possibility of a City-wide noise ordinance to prohibit engine braking by trucks within the City limits.

Background:  The Traffic and Safety Commission has discussed this issue previously when a request came in for the installation of “No Engine Braking except in Emergency” signs along S. 13^th Street near W. Oakwood Road.   The City received permission from Milwaukee County to install the signs in the right-of-way at this location.  The Commission recommended this action rather than throughout the City since this would be a more effective solution than a sign that was 2 miles away from the area that is creating a problem.

Another request for No Engine Braking signs has been brought to the Traffic and Safety Commission along S. Howell Avenue near Forest Hill Avenue.  The State has the following requirements for the installation of the signs on State Highways:

1. A local noise ordinance in place

2. Law enforcement to enforce the signs

3. Signage only as the driver enters the city, not repeated along the route.

The City would need to pass a local noise ordinance to prohibit the engine braking within the City limits and also install and maintain 17 “No Engine Braking” signs at all entrances to the City along the approved trucking routes. 

Fiscal Impact:  None.

Prepared by: Brian L. Johnston, P.E. Civil Engineer	Respectfully submitted: Patrick DeGrave City Administrator
Fiscal review by: Beverly A. Buretta, CMC City Clerk

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