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Desk Item Study SessionMEETING DATE: 12/16/13 STUDY SESSION DESK ITEM COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT DATE: DECEMBER 16, 2013 TO: MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL FROM: GREG LARSON, TOWN MANAGER f� T SUBJECT: COUNCIL DIRECTION ON THE REGULATION OF LEAF BLOWERS REMARKS: After the staff report was prepared for this agenda item, additional correspondence was received for the period of 3:01 p.m. Thursday, December 12 through 3:00 p.m. Monday, December 16, 2013. Attachments (previously received with staff report) 1. Summary of jurisdictions with regulations banning the use of leaf blowers. 2. Public Comments received 12:00 p.m. Thursday August 8, 2013 through 12:00 p.m. Thursday, December 12, 2013. Attachment 3 (received with this Desk Item) 3. Public Comments received 12:01 p.m. Thursday, December 12 through 3:00 p.m. Monday, December 16, 2013. PREPAREDYS BY: CHRISTINA GILMORE Assistant to the Town Manager Reviewed by: Assistant Town Manager Town Attorney Finance N:\MGR\AdminWorkFiles\2013 Council Reports\December 16\Leaf Blowers\12.16.13 Leaf Blower Desk Item.docx Subject: FW: Leaf Blower Study Session Original Message From: Jill McArthy [mailto:jillmca@comcast.net] Sent: Monday, December 16, 2013 7:26 AM To: Christina Gilmore Subject: Leaf Blower Study Session Good Morning, Unfortunately, I cannot attend the study session tonight as I have to work. I would appreciate that my voice be heard because I don't believe the city manager's office recommendations go nearly far enough and I would like the council to know that they could really improve the quality of life of Los Gatos residents if they put more limitations on leaf blowers. I am realistic and don't think that the council will ban leaf blowers at this time though I believe that the evidence against the leaf blowers will continue to increase and eventually all cities will have no choice but to ban them. So, for now I do think they could limit the hours and days that leaf blowers can operate in certain areas. Leaf blowers do cause noise and air pollution even though the city manager's office doesn't seem to think that either are an issue. I live downtown so the commercial business across the road from me can legally use a blower any time of the day. Walgreen's is surrounded by houses and they have no limitations so please - the bare minimum could be to limit the times for commercial use. If we have to have leaf blowers why not give those of us who can't escape them a break from them by limiting the days and hours they can be used. I would ask the council to: 1. Apply the time limits to commercial areas that are used in residential areas. 2. Shorten the hours that leaf blowers can be used anywhere. 3. Limit the days in all areas - the days could vary in different areas of the city. Saturday would probably always be included so home owners can use blowers if they have them. Ideally 10 to 4 on Saturdays. 3 days a week should be plenty of time to allow everyone to get their leafs blown. Then we could have a few days of peace and cleaner air. Thank you, I would appreciate you passing on my thoughts to the council. Jill McArthy 302 Almendra Ave Los Gatos, CA 95030 Subject: FW: Leaf Blowers From: mmomitzi@comcast.net [mailto:mmpmitzi@comcast.net] Sent: Sunday, December 15, 2013 11:24 PM To: Christina Gilmore Subject: Leaf Blowers I firmly disagree with banning leaf blowers. Pollution caused by leaf blowers is minimal and gardeners will charge much more, if they are forced to clean up by hand. They may even decide that coming to Los Gatos isn't worth it. Then what??? There are many other things in this town which produce much more pollution and noise than leaf blowers to name one...builders!!!! Are we going to ban them and their trucks???? I WISH!! Thank you, Mary Patterson Subject: FW: Leaf Blowers are hazardous to the environment From: Monica Renn Sent: Saturday, December 14, 2013 12:30 PM To: Christina Gilmore Subject: Fwd: Leaf Blowers are hazardous to the environment Begin forwarded message: From: Laura Rodriguez <laura j.rodriguez@grail.com> Date: December 14, 2013 at 11:41:46 AM PST To:<EnvironmentalServices@LosGatosCA.gov> Subject: Leaf Blowers are hazardous to the environment To whom this may concern, Has anyone in the town considered getting rid of the use of leaf blowers? This is of great issue to me and others I have talked with in our community. "The two-stroke engine has developed a reputation as an environmental hazard. Because the engine lacks an independent lubrication system, fuel has to be mixed with oil. More important, about 30 percent of the fuel the engine uses fails to undergo complete combustion; as a result, the engine emits a number of air pollutants. Carbon monoxide, nitrous oxides and hydrocarbons escape from the engine in large quantities. Everyone knows the acute effects of carbon monoxide, but the other gases are equally worrisome. Both nitrous oxides and hydrocarbons contribute to smog formation. Hydrocarbons can be carcinogenic, and nitrous oxides can cause acid rain. In leaf blowers, two-stroke engines have been shown to emit contaminants comparable to large automobiles. A 2011 test by the car experts at Edmunds showed that "a consumer -grade leaf blower emits morepollutants than a 6,200-pound 201 1 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor." Can we a form a meeting with regard to a vote from residents to, 'yay' or 'nay' leaf blowers for good in this town? I think it brings up a great point since Los Gatos is apparently a 'Green' town. Don't you think? Sincerely concerned, Laura Subject: FW: Leaf Blower Study Session scheduled for Dec. 16, 2013 From: MIKE ALEXANDER [mailto:alfamale1974@aol.com] Sent: Monday, December 16, 2013 11:05 AM To: Christina Gilmore Cc: Alfamale1974@aol.com Subject: Re: Leaf Blower Study Session scheduled for Dec. 16, 2013 Hello, have written previously about my opposition to leaf blowers in Los Gatos. At the very least, a ban on weekends and holidays would be a huge improvement. Current►y they are allowed Monday -Friday 8AM to 8PM and weekends and holidays 9AM to 7PM, not much of a restriction at all. Thank you.