pages: PlanningBoard/2021-05-24.pdf, 9
This data as json
body | date | page | text | path |
---|---|---|---|---|
PlanningBoard | 2021-05-24 | 9 | Staff Member Tai said the CARB report from 1999 was still the most creditable technical document that many other cities were still using. Board Member Curtis stated that the new Echos (brand of leaf blowers) were certified by the State of California and had an emission control device on them. Vice President Saheba opened public comments. Carmen Reid expressed her support for the ban of gas leaf blowers and she cautioned against any harsh punishment enforcement or fines. She encouraged community education such as partnering with recycling services, schools, and businesses to get the word out. She wanted to see this ordinance enacted sooner rather than later. Vice President Saheba closed public comments and opened the board's discussion. Board Member Cisneros appreciated the comment about starting this sooner rather than later. She wondered why to wait until 2024 but she acknowledged that implementation could be hard. She said it was unfortunate that electric leaf blowers were not quieter but due to all the reasons outlined for the good of the environment, she supported this moving forward. Board Member Curtis supported this ordinance and even pointed out that many local hardware stores were no longer selling gas-powered leaf blowers. Board Member Hom also supported this ordinance. He liked that this implemented one of the action items in the Climate Action Plan and the two-year phasing period would be good. This would give people time to adequately transition and to figure out how to enforce. Board Member Rothenberg concurred with her fellow board members. She added that she had never seen the merit of these devices. The overall intent of the ordinance was great and it had her support. Board Member Ruiz echoed her fellow board member comments and was in full support of this ordinance. Vice President Saheba agreed that this needed to happen. He stated that we are in a climate crisis and did not understand waiting 2 and a half years to implement this ordinance. He would be in favor of bringing this up a year to 2023. Enforcement can take time but that should not be the reason to wait. Board Member Curtis agreed with Vice President Saheba on implementing this quickly but pointed out that many contractors had a substantial investment in their equipment. He thought that people would need more time than just a year to adapt. Approved Planning Board Minutes Page 9 of 11 May 24, 2021 | PlanningBoard/2021-05-24.pdf |