Un-muffled brakes ordinance fails – again

BONNERS FERRY — An attempt to pass the un-muffled compression brake ordinance failed once again.

Councilman Rick Alonzo said he was trying to get the ordinance on the books so ITD would put signs at the top of the hills. Without an ordinance, signs could not be placed, said Alonzo.

“The ordinance gives the police power to do something,” said Alonzo, who explained local police cannot enforce state law regarding un-muffled compression brakes.

The ordinance was drafted to prohibit the use of un-muffled compression or “jake” brakes in the city except in emergency driving situations to protect persons or property.

“I’ve been against the ordinance since the beginning,” said councilwoman Connie Wells. “It’s not going to accomplish a lot. Truckers have said muffled trucks can be loud.”

Councilman Mike Klaus said it isn’t worth the risk of truckers misinterpreting the signs.

“Safety counts,” said Stephen Boorman, city administrator. “Everybody agrees on the same end goal but not how to get there.”

Council members Tom Mayo, Wells and Klaus voted against the ordinance and Alonzo voted for it at the May 7 city council meeting.

In April, a motion by councilman Alonzo to pass the first reading of the ordinance died for a lack of a second.