Resident accuses police of inaction on recurring vehicle-noise problem

During open forum on Sept. 23, a resident identified as Phil Lohrey described a long-running complaint about vehicles with jet-assisted mufflers repeatedly driving through neighborhoods and said local police and the chief had not provided a written response to a request from an assisted-living facility. Why it matters: residents reported persistent noise and safety concerns and said prior requests for written replies from police have not been met, raising questions about enforcement and police communication. Lohrey said he has been addressing the issue for 12 years and that staff at a local nursing home sent a letter to the police chief on Oct. 11, 2024, asking for action; Lohrey said they have not received a written, signed response. "For 11 months and 12 days, Chief Henthorn has stubbornly refused to give us the requested written signed reply to Megan Wobben's 10/11/2024 letter," Lohrey told the council. Lohrey described unsuccessful attempts to escalate the matter to federal representatives and said local police officers suggested nonviolent tactics such as throwing peanuts at offenders. He said he and other residents planned to implement a public demonstration—"peanut day"—to call attention to ongoing noise and safety concerns. The speaker expressed appreciation for some city staff but criticized perceived police inaction and requested the council's attention. No council action was recorded in response to the comments; the remarks were entered during the meeting’s open forum.