A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to addressing complaints from Doug Basy, a local resident troubled by the excessive use of Jake brakes near his home on Oakland Place Northeast. Basy reported a noticeable increase in noise, particularly from trucks exiting Interstate 90 and the 218 Corridor, claiming the disruption extends from early morning until late at night. He urged the council to improve enforcement of existing ordinances prohibiting Jake braking within city limits, noting, “It goes from 4:00 in the morning till 2:00 in the morning,” and described the noise as intolerable.

In response, city officials acknowledged the challenges in enforcement, emphasizing that officers can only issue citations if they witness the violation firsthand. The Police Chief explained the limitations on signage, stating, “We cannot put signage on there that’s not the type of signage that’s approved for that roadway.” The difficulty in pinpointing specific instances of Jake brake usage further complicates enforcement efforts. Council members shared Basy’s frustrations, with one member proposing targeted enforcement over a short period to potentially alter offenders’ behavior.

Basy also raised concerns about 8th Avenue Northeast, citing damage from truck traffic servicing a local plant. He pointed out the road’s poor condition, worsened by snowplowing and the absence of curb and gutter infrastructure, stressing that it should not serve as a truck route given its residential nature. He suggested rerouting trucks to 11th Drive to prevent further damage and alleviate the financial burden of potential repairs on local residents. The council agreed on the need to redirect truck traffic and discussed the lack of proper signage contributing to the problem. A council member emphasized the importance of supporting local businesses affected by construction projects.

Parking citations also took center stage during the public comments section when Maya Eert spoke about a citation she received for keeping her car parked in her driveway. Eert explained that she was hospitalized at the time and initially believed the citation to be a scam. Council members expressed sympathy and confusion regarding the citation’s legitimacy, and city officials clarified that the citations were due to the vehicle having flat tires and possibly being unregistered. The mayor suggested that Eert meet with a city official named Holly to further discuss the issue and explore potential resolutions. Despite the council’s willingness to assist Eert, there was a consensus that she might still be liable for the fines, as they had been certified to the county for tax purposes.

In a lighter moment, the mayor jokingly took some responsibility for the miscommunication surrounding the citation process, stating, “I mean she told me what it was and I’m like no you can park your car the driveway… apparently it was you know I guess I’m the blame more than she is.” The council concluded the discussion by inviting Eert to gather more information and meet with city officials to clarify the situation before any formal action was taken.

In addition to addressing these local concerns, the council celebrated the successful management of recent elections. A resolution certifying the election results from November 5, 2024, was presented, revealing a significant voter turnout—77% countywide and 81% in Austin. The council lauded the efforts of election judges and the city clerk’s office, particularly praising Bri for her professionalism. The resolution passed unanimously.

The meeting also included the recognition of Mitch Wenham, an assistant city engineer, who is leaving for a promotion. Council members commended Wenham for his contributions, such as developing a street rating program and securing over $7 million in grants for various projects. Wenham received tokens of appreciation from the council and expressed gratitude for his time with the city.

Administrative matters were also addressed, including the scheduling of a public hearing for the 5-year Capital Improvement Plan and the approval of liquor licenses and donations for community projects. A council member expressed gratitude to residents for their patience during ongoing construction related to I-90, recognizing the difficulties presented by changes in traffic patterns. Frustrations were voiced regarding the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s handling of the construction project, with concerns raised about its negative impact on local businesses.