Leaf Blower Ban on Council Agenda

The City Council Chambers will be packed this Wednesday evening when the subject of banning leaf blowers returns to the agenda. Previously supported by a “straw vote” by Council Members Hundley, Gallian and Agrimonti, proponents are hoping the final vote remains the same. Lobbying by both opponents and proponents has reportedly been steady since the council indicated leaning towards a ban, and changed votes is not out of the question.

Ban proponents cite studies showing that leaf blowers are a health risk due to the fine particulates kicked-up by the nearly 200 mile-per-hour air speed they produce. Opponents say the added cost of clean-up not using the blowers will have serious financial impacts on workers who are already at the lower-end of the pay spectrum.

There appears to be some wiggle room regarding gas vs. electric blowers, and it may be that some sort of compromise is in the works. Staff has prepared an ordinance, however, which is in line with the council’s straw vote and bans all leaf blowers. The language of the ordinance can be modified by the council. The full agenda and staff report can be found here.