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Bluff work session reviews dog regulations and 'Jake braking' restriction; council considers separating engine‑brake language from noise ordinance
Summary
Councilors reviewed draft regulations for dogs and cats and discussed whether to separate 'Jake braking' (engine braking) from the Noise Ordinance to speed adoption and allow signage; they also noted state nuisance law and San Juan County kennel regulations as reference points.
At its Aug. 12 work session, the Bluff Town Council reviewed draft animal regulations focused on dogs and cats and considered a proposed town ordinance addressing engine braking and no‑parking zones on Highway 191.
Officials discussed distinctions between 'Dangerous Dog' and 'Potentially Dangerous Dog' in the draft regulation and noted that San Juan County kennel rules and the State of Utah nuisance law would inform a more comprehensive future ordinance. Council members said a broader animal ordinance is planned to cover additional species beyond the current dog/cat draft.
On traffic and noise controls, the council debated language to prohibit 'Jake braking' (engine braking by heavy vehicles) and technical no‑parking language required by UDOT for Highway 191. Staff and members raised enforcement concerns—idling, proximity to residences and which truck types would be targeted (discussion referenced whether to cover all trucks or only specific categories, including language that mentioned 'Uranium trucks'). Mayor Ann K. Leppanen suggested pulling Jake braking language out of the Noise Ordinance so it could move faster and allow signage; she logged off the session before the item was finalized.
No ordinance was adopted at the work session; the council directed staff to return refined language for further review, including consultation on enforceability and UDOT requirements.
