Leaf Blowers, Cannabis Ordinance Discussed During Conference Meeting
In response to a ban on gas powered leaf blowers that will commence May through September in South Orange starting next month, the Council discussed the prospects of a similar ordinance in Livingston during its conference meeting on Monday, April 10. The Council had previously discussed this matter 16 months earlier, and determined at that time that they would not consider an ordinance until the town's own Department of Public Works employees were using electric equipment. DPW director Chris Southworth said that doing so was not viable for the department at the moment. Several landscapers were present at Monday's meeting to oppose a ban, but they and the Council were in agreement on continuing to permit gas powered equipment. Fred Kalweit of Fred's Small Engine Repair in town noted that electric blowers are "not ready for the prime time season." He said that they are too expensive, have a low runtime on batteries, and the sound diuerence is minimal compared to gas powered equipment. He also noted that the duration of the work would take longer, so the sound (the reason for the South Orange ordinance) would be greater with electric equipment. Council member Shawn Klein reiterated that until the DPW says they can use electric equipment, the town should not ask commercial businesses to do the same.
04/13/2023 05:00 AM