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Landscaper protests fines as township enforces gas‑powered leaf‑blower ban
Summary
A landscaper told the board his customer received a $1,500 fine under the township's leaf‑blower ordinance despite earlier statements that enforcement would be tempered; commissioners said warnings preceded fines and staff will investigate individual cases.
Tom Tomasco of Tomasco Landscaping told the board his company and customers are struggling to source commercial battery blowers required under a township ban on gas‑powered leaf blowers and said a customer was fined $1,500 despite assurances earlier that enforcement would be eased during the transition. Tomasco described commercial battery units costing about $3,000 and said he cannot afford to replace a fleet of machines immediately.
Commissioner Courtney responded that the town had lifted fines briefly for storm cleanup but that the ordinance was adopted in November and businesses have had months to adjust; he said landscapers could purchase nonindustrial battery models in days. Commissioner Burnham urged staff to investigate the $1,500 fine and examine whether warnings had been provided; township staff said no one is fined without first receiving a validated warning notice and that escalating fines follow multiple notices.
The board did not change enforcement policy at the meeting but directed staff to circulate the language of warning and fine notices and to look into the specific high‑value fine Tomasco reported.
