Agenda

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Public Hearing 3. A.

Regular BOS Meeting

Meeting Date:	02/07/2023
Submitted For:	Michael O'Driscoll
Submitted By:	Michael O'Driscoll, Assistant County Manager
Department:	Assistant County Manager

Information

Request/Subject

Adoption of Ordnance No. 2023-01 - Engine Braking of several mile markers on Hwy 87 in Pine/Strawberry, Arizona.

Background Information

Residents of the Pine and Strawberry areas of unincorporated Gila County have concerns about the increased levels of noise being generated by the engine "air braking" of large vehicles traveling through their community. Residents had requested the Board of Supervisors consider creating and approving an Engine Braking Ordnance to reduce the usage of engine brakes between certain mile markers on Hwy 87 in Pine/Strawberry, Arizona.

During a special BOS meeting on September 27, 2022, staff held a work session on this item and presented the Board of Supervisors with a rough draft engine braking ordinance. During the Work Session, the Gila County Sheriff's Office endorsed this ordinance with the condition that it would not impact the safety of truck drivers and residents. The Gila County Sheriff's Office agreed to provide the mile markers that are contained in the ordinance after careful evaluation of Hwy 87 and public safety.

The legal notice of the Public Hearing was posted in the Arizona Silver Belt for two consecutive weeks in the December 14, 2022, and December 21, 2022 editions. The notice of hearing was also posted in the Payson Roundup with a first publication of December 9, 2022, and a last publication of December 20, 2022.

Evaluation

Residents of the Pine and Strawberry areas of unincorporated Gila County have concerns about the increased levels of noise being generated by the engine "air braking" of large vehicles traveling through Gila County. A strategy to combat the noise levels would be to create an "Engine Braking" ordinance to restrict the use of engine air brakes between certain mile markers on Hwy 87 in the Pine/Strawberry area.

During a special BOS meeting on September 27, 2022, staff held a work session on this item and presented the Board of Supervisors with a rough draft of the engine braking ordinance. During the Work Session, the Gila County Sheriff's Office endorsed this ordinance with the condition that it would not impact the safety of truck drivers and residents. The Gila County Sheriff's Office agreed to provide the mile markers that are contained in the ordinance after careful evaluation of Hwy 87 and public safety.

Conclusion

Adoption of Ordnance No. 2023-01 to assist residents of the Pine/Strawberry area in reducing engine braking noise would provide be between the following mile markers:

NB Hwy 87 south of Pine at Mile Post 266.5 (Pine Trail Head)
NB Hwy 87 south of Strawberry at MP 270.3

SB Hwy 87 north of Strawberry at MP 271
SB Hwy 87 north of Pine at MP 269 (Strawberry Hollow turn-off)

Recommendation

The Assistant County Manager recommends approval of Ordnance No. 2023-01 to assist residents in reducing engine braking noise in several mile markers in the Pine/Strawberry area.

Suggested Motion

Information/Discussion/Action to adopt Ordinance No. 2023-01 - Engine Braking of several mile markers to reduce engine braking noise between designated areas in Pine/Strawberry, Arizona. (Michael O'Driscoll)

Attachments
Ordinance No. 2023-01- Engine Braking
Engine Braking Ordinance 2023-01 Exhibit 1
Map of Ordinance area
Legal Notice Documentation
Legal Notice Documentation