[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6648461,"mediaKeyId","2651437-e8e86e3c4a2c06f34d55cca69a17777d","parentId",2651437,"title","Resident says neighbor’s generator exceeds city noise limits; council approves noise ordinance first reading and asks staff to meet parties","audioSeconds",671,"startMs",3575000,"endMs",4246000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2651437-e8e86e3c4a2c06f34d55cca69a17777d&start=3575&end=4246","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2651437-e8e86e3c4a2c06f34d55cca69a17777d/thumbnail_3575000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6648461/Minot/Ward-County/North-Dakota/Resident-says-neighbors-generator-exceeds-city-noise-limits-council-approves-noise-ordinance-first-reading-and-asks-staff-to-meet-parties","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6648461-e5d1b4e10904b83fb497910a2b8465c7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178773&Signature=hbnt1eGnBgunRS9lekCYqp1DltWjp00a9GIcZA67-a9KttRX9pUyyKq0b1JcjbBfbjc6R18-lG5FnX6OOkx7wnpEI9DXdoP7MODPUEpaZRtxPlJBvAZbzOzKdC6QhbK4SSXTjDuForA0XbSPoecaFRNyq-XR-n3bKtxiiYRSRw6uj8-bBViqVDpNjgrCV7a9GLyqgAi1FLZIl0mCyBX12HE5VH3qelt61rn9wuAOIGR~icM-PkCv5y9xaru-7KByLzf-s8AwsEIb-RR~6S~46iAZOYNJLlfXplv3M~i63IacxIbkjoSa5b8d6l2kWf07JfSahHdUrblKR1ZaZpZ-Zw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Minot, ND","date","2025-02-13T19:31:21.95Z","article","A resident told the Minot City Council on Feb. 3 that a neighbor’s backup generator runs weekly for 20 minutes and is loud enough to prevent conversation on the front porch. The resident, Kent Bail of Edgewood Village, said an on-site measurement by a city officer found interior readings “around 60 decibels” and exterior readings “70 or better” near the front door. Bail said he and other residents want the city to retain a 55-decibel residential threshold rather than increase it.

Bail described the unit as an older standby generator that “runs at about 3,000 RPMs” and said the noise “wears on you” during weekly operation. He told the council that Sergeant Foley’s memo recorded a violation and recommended HOA action before city enforcement because pursuing the city route could involve legal costs for an association.

The Council approved first reading of a revised Chapter 23 noise ordinance during the meeting. City staff and the city attorney said the proposed ordinance raises the outdoor residential guideline from 55 to 60 decibels to align with common household appliance noise thresholds (lawnmowers, leaf blowers and similar equipment) and to avoid making ordinary residential activity a per se violation. The city attorney noted that enforcement often relies on a “reasonableness” standard—what an ordinary person would find objectionable—and that homeowner associations may adopt more restrictive standards for their communities.

Council members and staff agreed to follow up. The city attorney proposed meeting with both parties and staff said they would arrange further discussion to explore mitigation such as adjusting the generator’s exercise frequency (the neighbor indicated manufacturers sometimes recommend less frequent exercise runs) and noise-reduction measures such as a sound hood or enclosure. Council asked staff to meet with the resident and the homeowner with the generator and report back with options; no final ordinance changes were made at the meeting beyond first reading approval.

Why it matters: The case highlights the tension between citywide nuisance standards and highly localized impediments to residents’ enjoyment of their homes. Changes to the noise ordinance will affect enforcement thresholds citywide; staff said the proposed 60-dB threshold was intended to avoid restricting normal residential activities while preserving enforcement against genuinely disruptive noise sources.

What happens next: Staff will meet the parties and report possible mitigation measures and any recommended ordinance refinements before the next reading of the ordinance. The first-reading approval will return for a second reading before final adoption.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting 2/3/25 at 5:30 p.m.","oneSentenceSummary","A Edgewood Village resident told the council a neighbor’s weekly backup-generator exercise produces interior readings near 60 dB and exterior readings around 70 dB; the council approved a noise-ordinance first reading that raises a residential reference from 55 to 60 dB and asked staff to meet both parties.","taxTitle","Minot, Ward County, North Dakota","taxId",55035,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6648466,"Council keeps Captain Plasus as interim police chief, orders nationwide search for permanent chief",547,2280000,2827000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2651437-e8e86e3c4a2c06f34d55cca69a17777d&start=2280&end=2827","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2651437-e8e86e3c4a2c06f34d55cca69a17777d/thumbnail_2280000.jpg","/articles/6648466/Minot/Ward-County/North-Dakota/Council-keeps-Captain-Plasus-as-interim-police-chief-orders-nationwide-search-for-permanent-chief","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6648466-ba2ba482a6af564497220c01657363a9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178773&Signature=mcEp5aXOSFfIxCmfUyA-Q9WIHZzcH7LYf0xmQ4-Qa-~Z6dpJoipULWrxhJJVx1bWAtotR9W3EhhS39FlMr~w9IbOWCm06hpf3PnBQp70QDUB2aKAUjmz5ZjAgRu3aYKd2~ybH4KoMtCZKatf8xJiaHEASzP~wbuH3iS0RyRSBz-WBZNfTcuQoXvCzsewk9PCV1TbmO5uggm8CWSxSctxFadYoOEnz0MtPUrupPOlNQg3CfXK5AZVIXtLf5qoGiqyydNEiRFLo6ZBYprophHNeVL9q9zhuLaiZF-Qcq~3W1tuwWVqZfUWJrrl4et3L9nuI1RoNvbOyK-uLwXScfNCCQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Minot City Council voted 5–2 on Feb. 3 to keep Captain Plasus as the interim police chief and to direct the city manager to begin a nationwide search for a permanent chief, rejecting the city manager’s recommendation to bring in an outside interim with no prior ties to the department.

City Manager Harold told the council he recommended hiring Mr. Otterness—an outside candidate with documented experience in police leadership—because the department needs “quality strong leadership” from someone who can bring an unbiased, outside perspective. Harold said such a leader could “help us as an organization identify our blind spots” and expedite difficult organizational changes. “That is the main reason why I have made the recommendation to bring in, mister Otterness,” Harold said.

Alderman Lisa opposed bringing in an outside interim at this time and urged patience to allow existing interim leadership to remain while the council and city manager launch a national search. At the dais, Lisa said she believed Otterness “would be the right choice” but added, “I think that he is, very capable of taking this position, but I don't think it's the right time.” Several council members said maintaining continuity under Captain Plasus would help morale and avoid additional upheaval.

After discussion the council approved Alternative 2, which the city clerk summarized as directing the city manager to continue with the current interim chief (Captain Plasus) and proceed with a national recruitment process for a permanent appointment. The meeting record notes the motion passed 5–2 with Aldermen Janser and Ross voting no. Council later approved covering travel expenses for Otterness to attend the meeting by separate unanimous vote.

City manager Harold asked for guidance that the interim chief maintain the status quo and avoid making long-term policy changes until a permanent chief is in place; council discussion reflected a desire to let Captain Plasus manage day-to-day operations while the formal recruitment proceeds. Harold said he will continue case-by-case discussions with Captain Plasus and will bring forward recommendations as appropriate, but he also cautioned that “there will be some things that I would recommend we hold off on until we have a chief in place to help us make that decision.”

Why it matters: The decision balances two priorities the council discussed at length: bringing in outside expertise to accelerate reforms versus preserving internal continuity and morale by retaining an internal interim leader. The council’s direction starts a nationwide recruitment process for a permanent chief while leaving the day-to-day leadership in place.

What happens next: The city manager will proceed with a national search for a permanent police chief; staff and council indicated the search could take three to six months. The interim chief will continue in place and handle day-to-day operations; the city manager said he will limit long-term policy changes in the interim and handle other changes on a case-by-case basis.

Vote: The motion to keep Captain Plasus as interim and to initiate a national recruitment passed 5–2 (Janser, Ross opposed).","After extended debate the Minot City Council voted 5–2 to keep Captain Plasus as interim police chief while directing the city manager to begin a national search for a permanent chief; the city manager had recommended hiring an outside interim with no historical ties.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6648471,"Minot council keeps fall curbside cleanup after staff outlines costs, safety concerns",616,1057000,1673000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2651437-e8e86e3c4a2c06f34d55cca69a17777d&start=1057&end=1673","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2651437-e8e86e3c4a2c06f34d55cca69a17777d/thumbnail_1057000.jpg","/articles/6648471/Minot/Ward-County/North-Dakota/Minot-council-keeps-fall-curbside-cleanup-after-staff-outlines-costs-safety-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6648471-c4d36eabad4720b526d9799996237375/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178773&Signature=fBI5A03~FjM4kKAiDfj~BUs0tcgh-yIYUjZEhCQc3qKVUOm1kA-N~jVY44VHs5aYC8gzb4CVeZWYDCghEfhoNyBK5-mKA4ecAjQRUr2oSXpuGmYRfuMMQlevFatRUHYwhKy6xviAFzKcZOlVVl6RXRVAFwbx6~n8Q3at8EvdjxmH~54xv6qbUpxdCC5lQiWjJoTOmZLY9oGM2vmK0Yi7NvfIlYCBYJRwpMGFfYG0~BgTY4XeUsj9vwcrn0wLWI83tYCxQMxZAJOnn5CD1PATrwCc-SpP4jhflrhf-PNKt8S4UeKO-EZ6uhcrsYr-4UdCG97U4uarkCzFo-QEdoR4gw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Minot City Council voted unanimously Feb. 3 to continue the city’s fall curbside cleanup program after staff presented operational costs and safety data and members debated alternatives.

City solid-waste staff told the council the spring and fall cleanup events require about 50 staff drawn from multiple departments, roughly 2,000 hours of labor and about 30 pieces of equipment. “Each event probably costs about a hundred and 30 ish thousand dollars,” the presenter said. Staff also reported a higher rate of employee injuries during cleanup weeks compared with routine operations and noted that most injuries occurred during the fall event.

Council members discussed whether the service could be eliminated to save money, moved to a different week or staggered (for example, spread across a month), and whether the bulk-item pickup program could be expanded or offered at a discounted rate during a cleanup week. Alderman Blessam urged continuing the service, saying it was part of the deal made when the city changed to the containerized collection system and that removing it without lowering rates would be unacceptable. “I am not about giving less service for the same dollars,” Blessam said.

Staff said they could continue to offer free dumping at the landfill and encourage use of scheduled bulk pickup as an alternative; bulk collection currently is $15 per large item and staff said they are exploring quantity-based pricing. Staff also said rescheduling the fall event to a different month would require additional calendar review because several other seasonal public-works activities—hot-mix paving, street repairs and storm-sewer work—are concentrated in the same window.

Council members suggested several possible refinements, including discounting bulk pickup during a cleanup week or spreading collections over multiple Wednesdays; staff cautioned that a longer staggered period could leave neighborhoods looking untidy for several weeks. The council directed staff to consider the suggestions and return with options; for the meeting the council approved a motion to continue offering the fall curbside pickup program.

Why it matters: The cleanup weeks draw substantial staff from multiple departments and take crews off other critical tasks at a time of year when street patching and storm-sewer work are also pressing. Staff described both an immediate budgetary cost and an “opportunity cost” of delayed infrastructure work when crews are redirected to cleanup events.

What happens next: Staff will take the council’s suggestions into account, investigate pricing options for bulk collection and return to the council with proposed alternatives or refinements before making any permanent changes to the program.","Council voted unanimously to continue fall curbside cleanup after hearing staff estimate the operation uses roughly 50 staff, 2,000 hours and about $130,000 per event and that injury rates and opportunity costs are higher during the cleanup weeks.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":80,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6648474,"Minot City Council approves routine contracts, ordinances and loan application; several items unanimous",2080,747000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2651437-e8e86e3c4a2c06f34d55cca69a17777d&start=747&end=2827","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2651437-e8e86e3c4a2c06f34d55cca69a17777d/thumbnail_747000.jpg","/articles/6648474/Minot/Ward-County/North-Dakota/Minot-City-Council-approves-routine-contracts-ordinances-and-loan-application-several-items-unanimous","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6648474-b686ec872d81b83aebec07693fc3e17e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178773&Signature=S3LuW-ElVou5lQRncN8qh847Ga0mH3EQ0JpQ-lnwzOvX-ck7w9TMsG1WjuTfJqI-DLiIeHeQYXGFiXLGF3lbnk4YuGxu01e05O8GuhvEOZKZxssRiu7KXIgEy6R8caFDy9HMAcxGz2OPmFVp~5gW484jGzozXHADVE5WXCTXvUIAnZwwRYJzrWtxTcLTrm9KldThfDMZh5XyrBBYcJbbR45~AG11maGFvEmd~8N6cMBYGNSFa1z4ivjW84t7-L29vid8Xr8Dx1sRI0aUfB8FgsOwW5eG7PWT~w8GXynVDMVUHberU7G4SHLJ73iTQhKkISNBL1y7S~EpAazy1sAuQw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Minot City Council members approved a series of routine contracts, ordinance readings and financing steps during their Feb. 3 meeting, including a 19-item consent agenda and several professional services agreements. Most motions passed unanimously; one personnel-direction vote on police leadership carried 5–2.

The council approved the consent agenda (19 items) without discussion. Council members then approved the following action items by voice vote unless noted otherwise: a contract with Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc. for airport snow removal equipment acquisition (agenda item 6.1); pavement-marking work on Eighth Avenue SE at Burdick Expressway (6.2); continuing the fall cleanup week program (6.3); a two-year phased transit analysis and ADA complementary paratransit plan/service agreement (6.4); design services for the airport general aviation access road rehabilitation project (6.5); first-reading approval of a Chapter 23 lighting ordinance (6.6); first-reading approval of a Chapter 23 noise ordinance (6.7); a State Revolving Fund loan application for lead service line identification and replacement (6.8); an amendment to sidewalk snow- and ice-removal rules (6.9); a settlement agreement (6.10); approval of an interim police chief agreement in the form of Alternative 2 (6.11, vote 5–2); authorization to reimburse travel for a candidate to attend the meeting (travel costs for Mr. Otterness, passed unanimously); and authorization to procure human resources director recruitment services (6.12).

The council recorded unanimous passage of the consent agenda and most following items. The council recorded a non-unanimous result on the interim police chief direction: the motion to keep Captain Plasus as interim chief and to proceed immediately with a nationwide search for a permanent chief passed 5–2 (Aldermen Janser and Ross opposed). The meeting minutes show the council then approved payment of travel costs for an outside candidate to attend without recorded dissension.

Several agenda items drew only brief discussion from council or staff before votes; others were the subject of fuller debate recorded elsewhere on the agenda. Staff indicated that many of the procurement items are routine professional services or project design approvals with costs and schedules summarized in the meeting packet.

Votes at a glance (selected items)
- Consent agenda (19 items): approved, unanimous.
- 6.1 Airport snow removal equipment contract (Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc.): approved, unanimous.
- 6.2 Eighth Avenue SE/Burdick Expressway pavement markings: approved, unanimous.
- 6.3 Fall cleanup week: motion to continue fall curbside cleanup approved, unanimous.
- 6.4 Transit two-year phased approach and ADA paratransit plan: staff recommendation approved, unanimous.
- 6.5 Airport general aviation access road rehabilitation design services: approved, unanimous.
- 6.6 Chapter 23 lighting ordinance (first reading): approved, unanimous; council asked staff to clarify the ordinance’s definition of “strobing.”
- 6.7 Chapter 23 noise ordinance (first reading): approved, unanimous; the proposed ordinance raises the outdoor residential daytime/typical threshold from 55 to 60 decibels; staff said they will meet with affected parties to review reasonableness standards and exemptions.
- 6.8 SRF loan application for lead service line work: approved, unanimous.
- 6.9 Sidewalk snow/ice removal ordinance amendments: approved, unanimous.
- 6.10 Settlement agreement: approved, unanimous.
- 6.11 Interim police chief agreement (Alternative 2): approved 5–2 (Janser, Ross opposed). Direction included that the interim chief maintain the status quo while the city begins a national recruitment process.
- Authorization to reimburse travel costs for an outside candidate: approved, unanimous.
- 6.12 HR director recruitment services: approved, unanimous.

What to expect next: ordinances receiving first reading will return for a second reading before final adoption. Staff said they will follow up with involved parties on noise-ordinance concerns and prepare any necessary clarifications for the next reading of the lighting ordinance.

The council’s packet and minutes contain the formal procurement documents, ordinance text and loan-application materials for members of the public who want details on scope, budget and vendor names.","At its Feb. 3 meeting the Minot City Council approved a 19-item consent agenda and a series of contracts, ordinance readings and financing actions. Most items passed unanimously; the council recorded a 5–2 vote on appointment direction for the police chief search.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Resident says neighbor’s generator exceeds city noise limits; council approves noise ordinance first reading and asks staff to meet parties

Council keeps Captain Plasus as interim police chief, orders nationwide search for permanent chief

Minot council keeps fall curbside cleanup after staff outlines costs, safety concerns

Minot City Council approves routine contracts, ordinances and loan application; several items unanimous