No vote on leaf blower ban
The Sonoma City Council again debated a leaf blower ban Wednesday night with Councilmember Rachel Hundley emerging as the decisive vote if and when the matter comes to a formal vote.
The panel’s other four votes were split. Councilmembers Laurie Gallian and Madolyn Agrimonti support banning electric and gas-powered leaf blowers within city limits. Councilmembers David Cook and Gary Edwards oppose any restrictions.
Hundley indicated support for a ban in residential neighborhoods, but would allow blowers to be used on commercial properties and public parks.
Enforcing a ban would call for the hiring extra staff, and cost the city up to $150,000 per year, according to City Manager Carol Giovanatto.
The agenda item called for discussion, but did not mandate a vote. The issue will come before the council again by mid-October.
3 thoughts on “No vote on leaf blower ban”
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Would it still cost $150,000 to “enforce the ban” even so Hundley suggests and if so, why? It seems like a good compromise to me.
Would it still cost $150,000 to “enforce the ban” even as Hundley suggests and if so, why? It seems like a good compromise to me.
The City calculated it would cost around $75-150K per year to pay the salary of an enforcement officer. This officer would also enforce many other ordinances including vacation rentals, pets, etc. By my calculations, it would be quite easy to recoup these costs. The enforcement officer would need to issue only two to four $100 tickets to per day (a first time leaf-blower offense) to generate $75-150K annually. I see at least a half dozen infractions daily.