City Engineer Steven Lang will present information on proposed waste water treatment plant designs at a public hearing during the Austin City Council’s next regular meeting.

The proposed designs and upgrades are part of the city’s effort to achieve phosphorus reduction in order to meet limits set by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. They are also to help account for projected city population growth, which is estimated to reach almost 29,000 people by 2040.

Lang has recommended a design that will incorporate a combined active sludge treatment process, which he says will work for current and future water regulations.

This design carries an estimated construction cost of $77.9 million. City leaders have lobbied state legislators and Gov. Tim Walz and have submitted a bonding bill request to help pay for the upgrades.

The council will also vote on whether or not to approve a three-year extension to the current Housing Tax Abatement program and on whether or not to accept Hormel Foundation grant awards.

Austin Police Chief David McKichan will discuss a proposed addition to the city ordinance concerning the prohibition of unnecessary noises during the council’s next regular work session. The proposed addition applies to engine braking and states the following:

“The slowing of any motor vehicle by any device, method, or practice known as engine braking or transmission braking (also referred to as Jake brake, Jacobs brake, dynamic brake, C-brake, or Paccar brake) whereby rapid downshifting of a vehicle’s engine or a compression release device is used in lieu of applying a vehicle’s wheel brake thereby causing loud noises to emit from the vehicle’s engine and exhaust system. Such braking by any motor vehicle on any public highway, street, parking lot or alley within the City of Austin is declared to be a public nuisance and is prohibited.”

Councilman Paul Fischer brought the issue to the APD’s attention after receiving complaints from constituents.

The council’s next regular meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 2, in the City Council Chambers located in the basement of City Hall. The work session will be held in the conference room across the hall from the Council Chambers immediately following the meeting.

For a complete agenda, visit www.ci.austin.mn.us/city-council.