pages: CityCouncil/2018-06-19.pdf, 16
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CityCouncil | 2018-06-19 | 16 | Mayor Spencer made brief comments regarding the referral. Councilmember Matarrese moved approval of the referral. Vice Mayor Vella seconded the motion. Under discussion, Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she appreciates giving the referral a low priority; she does not want to take Police off the street to pursue leaf blower issues. The Public Works Director stated an in-house team has convened to talk through the referral; 19 cities have banned gas leaf blowers; five cities have banned both [gas and electric]; 60 cities have timed usage; there were three Code Enforcement complaints regarding leaf blowers in the last 10 years; enforcement would be the challenge; the Recreation and Parks Department has already implemented a mini pilot program with electric leaf blowers; an explicit bullet point in scope of work in the Climate Plan requires outreach this fall and winter; staff recommends the Climate Plan be the vehicle to move the issue. Vice Mayor Vella stated the issue could be part of the Climate Plan; a more effective approach would be to educate people first rather than just have a ban from the start. Councilmember Oddie stated incentivizing is a good, softer approach; there should be outreach to the industry rather than just doing a ban. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated gas leaf blowers are not healthy for people and the environment; partnering with local businesses that might offer electric blowers would be good; outreach should be bi-lingual. Mayor Spencer inquired when the item would come back to Council, to which the Public Works Director responded a first draft of the plan could be back in January or February. Mayor Spencer stated that she is concerned the issue is just one component; the Climate Action Plan covers many things; she is not sure leaf blowers can be packaged with the Plan; inquired whether the Plan could be expedited, to which the Public Works Director responded in the negative. Vice Mayor Vella stated the referral is listed as a low priority; having it come back in six or seven months is fairly fast. On the call for the question, the motion carried by the unanimous voice vote - 5. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS (18-380) Designation of Voting Delegates and Alternates for the League of California Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 15 June 19, 2018 | CityCouncil/2018-06-19.pdf |