The long-awaited noise test for Houston’s potential OHV trail has been completed, and Alex Bud presented a preliminary report to the Houston City Council at their regular meeting September 13.
Bud, a former engineer at Harley Davidson for 33 years, retired in 2009 and began his own business which tests noise levels at race tracks and off-road systems. He is a master track and trail builder with the Wisconsin DNR, and works to reduce erosion and noise pollution.
Using certified type one meters, the latest in sound level meters, Bud had eight vehicles ride the existing trail with test sites situated on the property lines of the area. All test sites passed the test. He added meters in the city, at city hall and at two private residences; these also passed the federal HUD regulations.
Stationary noise tests were run 20 inches in front of the exhaust systems, as well as hour-long tests of the vehicles as they were riding the trail. He noted they found some really steep areas with the Jeeps to test on. Both L10 and L50 tests results were well under the maximum level allowed. Bud explained that the L10 test represents the top 10% sound level while the L50 represents the top 50% sound level. L10 has a limit of 65 decibels; L50 has a limit of 60 decibels. Residential test site one had 49.4 decibels for L10 and 45.1 decibels for L50. Site two had 57.7 decibels for L10 and 52.2 decibels for L50.
Two Jeep Wranglers, a Polaris Ranger 800, a John Deere, and three motorcycles were used. Bud explained that data can be extrapolated using the results from only eight vehicles.
Bud suggested the planting of evergreens, foliage, and berm construction to reduce noise even further. He also suggested placing the parking lot in the interior of the trail.
There was a disagreement about where the tests were completed. Two of the residences near the top of the proposed trail were not tested; the trail Bud used was actually the existing snowmobile trail and not the proposed trail. Bud explained there was no trail in that area on which vehicles could run yet. While the proposed OHV trail has been designed on paper, it hasn’t been built yet. Apparently, this is a prime example of the old “which came first, the chicken or the egg?” Bud said he’d be happy to retest after the trail is built.
Bud went on to say that a trail system isn’t set in stone, “It’s kind of a nebulous thing – an ongoing process.” If issues arise, the trail can be adjusted.
The OHV trail and possible geographic study approval were tabled for the current time.
During the public comment period, Scott Wallace urged the council to back out of the OHV deal now rather than going any further, saying it would be easier now than down the road. He urged, “The community needs to get on the same page.”
Soft-spoken Ken Johnston, Jr. appeared to speak in favor of the trail; he felt it would be a good thing for the town and shared his love of nature and riding. He commented, “There is a silent majority of business owners in favor of the trail.”
Regular business
Matt Mohs, the city engineer, requested and received approval of the $131,779.25 pay application No. 5 for the wastewater treatment plant as well as a $1,920 reduced rate engineering time to plan for future needs and long-term financial planning.
The USDA funding application process for the purchase of a fire truck was approved by the council to continue.
The existing Highway Beautification agreement was updated for the city; this allows the city to plant trees and beautify the sidewalks along highways 16 and 76.
A subordination agreement was approved for a city resident. Because of a grant, the city held a lien on the property. The owner is taking out a different mortgage; the city agreed to the subordination agreement on the advice of the city attorney.
The proposed 2022 budget and levy were approved. The levy of $553,500 represents an increase of a bit less than 3%. The budget will have total revenues of $767,740 and total expenses of $767,183. The truth in taxation hearing was set for December 13, 2021 at 6 p.m.
The go ahead was given to proceed with preparing the old Maple Street Community Center for sale. Items remaining in the building will be removed.
The nature center was given the go ahead to join Explore Minnesota, an advertising campaign. This will be budget neutral for the city.
The next Houston City Council meeting will be Tuesday, October 12 at 6 p.m.
Karla Bloem says
Test results are only as good as their methodology. The vehicles did not drive on the City-owned property where the OHV trails are planned to be built. They did not place a sound meter at the house immediately adjacent to the trailhead, which is the only house that could have had any sort of accurate testing given the vehicle route. The closest sound meter was placed 0.3 miles from where the vehicles drove and faced AWAY from the vehicles. The other noise meter was placed 0.75 miles away on the other side of the bluff, so it could not have picked up any vehicle noise. Vehicles all drove slowly, and winds gusted over 18 mph during the test.
This “noise test” was not even an approximate representation of the noise that residents could expect to hear from the proposed trail.
Faye Owens - Houston resident says
Thank you for posting the minutes of the September 13th (2021) Houston City Council Meeting. Some of us have difficulty finding these minutes and appreciate your posting them so we can all be aware of our local issues currently taking place.
Stacy L Vix says
The snowmobile trail isn’t on top of the hill right by town. Obviously this will be noisy, especially for the houses right by the hill.