pages: CityCouncil/2021-04-06.pdf, 15
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CityCouncil | 2021-04-06 | 15 | Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated there is a process ongoing to obtain the e-mails; PRA requests are also voluminous and records will not be produced instantaneously. Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated that she is looking forward to staff ensuring the issue does not happen again and fulfilling the PRA request. (21-233) Consider Directing Staff to Provide an Update on the Status of Banning Gas Leaf Blowers in Alameda. (Councilmember Herrera Spencer) Councilmember Herrera Spencer gave a brief presentation. The Assistant City Manager stated the Climate Action and Resiliency Plan (CARP) includes banning gas powered leaf blowers as a one to two year priority, which implementation of the ban in years three and four; the matter is on the list of things to do; however, it has fallen down the list for a number of reasons; staff is working on building electrification; the General Plan update is happening; staff is also working on a number of Transportation Planning objectives; with respect to climate action and the greenhouse gas impacts coming from different topic areas, the ban is quite small; however, it does not mean the matter is non-consequential; there are quality of life and air quality matters; staff could move the matter up the list after building electrification; building electrification work will come before Council in May or June. Vice Mayor Vella inquired whether the matter is under the CARP, which was voted on by Council in the previous month. The Assistant City Manager responded the CARP annual report was presented; however, the ban is not prioritized in the annual report; staff is going after bigger greenhouse gas emission areas; the CARP has multiple phases; staff members are working on a range of climate related items; phasing was designed around a different staff level; staff is trying to take big bites where possible in order to make larger impacts; the matter is a quality of life issue for many people and comes with equity and small business impacts as well; the process will require significant outreach and communication with a phased approach to manage impacts over a period of time. Councilmember Herrera Spencer inquired whether the City uses gas powered leaf blowers. The Assistant City Manager responded that he does not know; stated City contracts with some private landscapers. Councilmember Knox White stated that he has spoken with the Recreation and Parks Director and has been told the City does not use gas powered leaf blowers; the City does use gas powered lawn mowers; use was discontinued roughly a year and a half ago; the matter was part of the conversation about the CARP work plan last month; he is not inclined to re-order Council priorities; he has spoken numerous times with the Assistant City Manager and understands Council will see something near the end of the year, unless Council finds other things a higher priority; expressed support for moving forward sticking with the already outlined priorities. Councilmember Daysog stated that he regularly hears from residents about gas powered leaf blowers, which is a concern for residents; there is an issue about when leaf blowing begins in the morning; expressed support for proceeding however Councilmember Herrera Spencer would like. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 15 April 06, 2021 | CityCouncil/2021-04-06.pdf |