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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEQCB Min 1991-11-19 . .. . JE Iffiwllrr ((J)lmmm <e un ~~n Qllll ~nll ~y em> ITll ~Ir m> n ]Em>~]f <<il MfaJl{j TJjJ ae~ November 19, 1991 li. R.ollI CaIDl Present: Also Present: Voce, Deckner, Logan, Hood, Hurley Barry Curtis, Administrative Assistant (Planning) H. Pledge off Allllegiamce HK. New Bmnnness iV. Old Bllllsill1l.ess A. Historic Preservation Element Staff requested clarification from the Board regarding its motion pertaining to establishment of a Historic Preservation Element. Chairman Voce explained that the motion carried that the EQCB would be the oversight committee and that members of the Historic and Cultural Society would also participate. B. Mechanical Leaf Blowers Chairman Voce opened discussion indicating that this matter had been before the Board for some time and that it would now be appropriate for the Board to formulate a recommendation to the City COlIDCil. Mr. Logan discussed the number of complaints received by the City and felt the number was small enough that perhaps no action was necessary. Additionally, Mr. Logan felt that a total ban would be unfair if the City crews were allowed to continue to use leaf blowers. Mr. Logan said he believed the Board had settled on education of users as the most appropriate approacb in dealing with mechanical leaf blowers. Mr. Curtis presented a brief history of the matter as it has been before the Board and indicated that as yet the Board, while discussing several possible cures, had yet to make a decision on the matter. Approaches discussed included: education of users through classes and informational brochures; refundable deposits for City licensed gardeners (refundable upon completion ofleafblower seminar) and City sponsored training classes. C:\AMlPRO\OOCS\BQBC\1l.91.91 BCC:bc . . . EQeB Minutes of November 19,1991 Mr. Deckner wondered whether attendance would be mandatory for leaf blower classes, i.e. how would the City be certain that gardeners would learn? Staff indicated that the specifics of the class had not been decided at this time, but the Board may, through its recommendation to the Council, proposed appropriate conditions. Mr. Voce discussed a fme or penalty for licensed gardeners who did not participate in the proposed class. Mr. Curtis indicated that an incentive program may be easier to institute. Such an incentive program could include gardeners paying a deposit in conjunction with their business license application. The deposit would be refunded after completion of the class. Staff indicated it envisioned that informational brochures, printed in English, Spanish and Vietnamese, would be provided to all gardeners applying for a City business license. Staff indicated that the majority of its complaints regarding leaf blowers have centered on blowing debris, but over the past six (6) months staff has received only three (3) complaints, all centering on noise. Mr. Hurley recommended that the Board forward its fmdings to the Council recommending the City address the concerns of the complainants through informational handouts, education and training classes. He felt this approach would not cost the City additional monies. Mr. Hood felt the Board should make its recommendation to the Council of a similar nature to Mr. Hurley's recommendation, but felt the City staff should determine appropriate wording for handouts, class contents and others. Mr. Hood felt staff should continue working with shopping center managers and that he felt the Board should not attempt to overkill the matter. Mr. Deemer discussed oilier technologies, i.e. vacuuming. Mr. Logan suggested the City could forward an informational letter to the gardeners and public and have an attached agreement form for them to sign and return to the City. Mr. Curtis stated that such a letter could indicate that the City had considered banning leaf blowers but had determined that a more appropriate fJrSt step would be to educate and inform gardeners about the proper use of leaf blowers. The City still may consider a ban on leaf blowers if these steps do not resolve the problem. Mr. Voce indicated that he had discussed this matter with upwards offtfty (50) people and the overwhelming opinion was that leaf blowers should be banned. He indicated that Gayle Knapp, former Chairman of the EQCB, had informed him the Board had a one time considered a ban on blowers. Mr. Voce thought that the public should have some responsibility for monitoring their neighbors and that staff replace existing machinery with mulching mowers, as new mowers are purchased. MOTION BY LOGAN (AMENDED BY HOOD); SECOND BY HOOD That the C:\AMlPRO\DOCS\EQBC\11-91-91 BCC:bc rage 1 .. . 0 . . . EQCB Minutes of November 19,1991 EQCB recommend to tIlne Council tbat it direct staff to prepare a leaf blower education program, including bu.t not limited to, letters to appllicants for gardening business licenses, dissemination of eclu.cational materiaUs, training sessions and that a report on the educational program and leaf blower related comphnbllts be slllbmitted to the EQCB for review after the program has been iDn place for a period of six (6) months. MOTION CARRIED: A YES: NOES: 5-0 VOCE, DECKNER, LOGAN, HOOD, HURLEY NONE v. BoslIrd COlllcelrll1l.s Mr. Voce discussed the December 18, 1991 public bearing before the Planning Commission to discuss the Draft Source Reduction and Recycling Element and Draft Household Hazardous Waste Element. Mr. Voce felt EQCB members may wish to attend. Mr. Voce voiced his concern over beach debris, particularly Styrofoam. He wasn't sure what could be done, but wisbed to raise the issue. Also, the diesel boat used by the oil islands puts out a great deal of pollution. Mr. Logan askedthe status of the City's water program. Right now rationing is voluntary. Mr. Deckner expressed concern over household cleaners, specifically carpet cleaning businesses which drain their waste into the City's gutters. Staff indicated it would contact other cities to determine what if any restrictions are placed on such uses. Staff will report back to the Board at an upcoming meeting. VI. Staff COll1l.cerll1l.s VlI]. Adj0 Ulllrll1l.mellD.t The meeting was adjourned at 7:52 p.m. f' ~ Barry C. Curtis, Jr. Secretary, Environmental Quality Control Board C:\AMlPRO\DOCS\EQBC\11-91-91 BCC:bc Page 3