Residents press Morristown for outreach and enforcement of voter-approved gas leaf‑blower ban

At the April 24 meeting, resident Judy Bayard told the council she supports the voter‑approved gas leaf‑blower ban and asked about the town's outreach and enforcement plans. Bayard said she has seen both electric and gas blowers in town since the referendum passed and suggested distribution of flyers at hardware stores and a landscaper registry so the town can notify contractors.

Bayard cited health and environmental concerns, saying gas blowers "emit approximately 30% of unburned fuel into the air" and argued rebates to help landscapers buy battery equipment could assist compliance. Council members reported active outreach: several councilors said they had contacted landscapers in their wards directly, the police are notifying landscapers about the ordinance, and some landscaping companies have already switched to electric equipment.

Councilors recommended residents contact their council representative or the nonemergency police line to register complaints; officials said complaints may be taken without providing a name. The mayor thanked Bayard for volunteering to help with outreach and said the administration would consider placing flyers at hardware stores and licensing lists if available.

Next step: administration and council members said they will continue targeted outreach to landscapers and consider additional communication channels to promote compliance during the ordinance's enforcement period.