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Resident urges flexible approach to town's summer leaf-blower ban, board says law limits individual waivers
Summary
A resident told the board her gardener refused to service her property because of the town's summer leaf-blower ban and asked for case-by-case waivers; board members said the ban aims to reduce noise and dust and that the supervisor lacks authority to grant individual exemptions, though members signaled openness to future discussion.
During the public-comment portion of the June 4 meeting, a long-time resident described a persistent problem with a dying 50-foot tree that was shedding large volumes of leaves onto her property and the street. She said her gardener would not perform work because of the town's summer ban on leaf blowers and that she feared fines if enforcement were applied. The resident asked whether electric blowers are permitted and urged the board to consider case-by-case relief so she would not face a $125 or $250 fine or lose gardening service.
Board members and staff explained the background and intent of the town's regulation: the summertime ban on leaf blowers has been in place for years to reduce noise and dust when windows are open. The supervisor clarified that his emergency suspension authority is intended for broad emergency situations and does not authorize individual waivers; a board member (and other board members) said they would be willing to discuss whether the blanket summer ban remains appropriate now that gas leaf blowers are phased out and electric models are quieter.
Officials said enforcement is handled by police and encouraged residents to report violations; several residents disputed whether calls to police had prompted enforcement in practice. The board did not change the ordinance at the meeting but left open the prospect of future discussion or amendment.
