Weeks of discussion have finally led the county supervisors to a plan for an ordinance against unmuffled engine brakes that all are comfortable with.
Shane Olson returned to the supervisors for an update on progress toward an ordinance. He said he and sheriff Steve Haupert had discussed the idea of a curfew against the noisy engine brakes, rather than prohibiting them at all times.
Supervisor Mick Burkett has been opposed to the ordinance from the start, saying it would be bad for county farmers who own trucks with the jake brakes. However, it’s haulers from outside of Greene County who use County Road P-29 past Olson’s home as the most direct route from Highway 20 to Highway 30 that are creating the problem. Olson is tolerant of the noise during the day, but the number of nighttime haulers has increased.
The supervisors liked the idea of an ordinance banning jake brakes only from 10 pm to 6 am. “I think the time frame makes a lot of difference,” Burkett said.
The penalty will be $100. Signs will be posted on paved county roads entering the county. County engineer Wade Weiss will contact the Iowa Department of Transportation about signage on Highways 30, 4, 25, and 144.
Law clerk Thomas Laehn has been asked to write the ordinance. His last day in the county is in mid-August.
Olson has started an online effort to collect signatures on a petition asking for the ordinance. Click here for the petition.
