HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 435RESOLUTION NO. 435
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MEDINA, WASHINGTON, DECLARING THE CITY COUNCIL'S
INTENT TO PHASE OUT GAS -POWERED LEAF BLOWERS;
ESTABLISHING GOALS AND IDENTIFYIN ACTIONS TO MEET
THESE GOALS
WHEREAS, the City of Medina ("City") has the authority to adopt policies to protect and
promote public health, safety, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, data has revealed the environmental and public health impacts of gas -
powered leaf blowers; and
WHEREAS, gas -powered leaf blowers most commonly have two-stroke internal
combustion engines that incompletely combust their fuel, resulting in the emission of toxic and
carcinogenic substances, such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, ,and volatile organic
compounds, which contribute to the formation of ozone, smog, and acid rain; and
WHEREAS, best available data indicate that the use of gas -powered leaf blowers can
cause direct harm to people within the vicinity by contributing to localized air pollution, creating
excessive noise, and causing other negative health impacts to their operators; and
WHEREAS, gas -powered leaf blowers with two-stroke engines emit particularly low -
frequency sound waves, including ultra -low frequency, which cause the sounds to travel longer
distances and more easily penetrate walls and other barriers, magnifying the impacts of nuisance
noise; and
WHEREAS, initial research shows that current electric leaf blower models produce similar
noise levels to gas powered leaf blowers, but that electric motors have more potential to reduce
noise pollution and electric leaf blower technology is anticipated to improve in the coming years;
and
WHEREAS, electric leaf blowers are quieter than gas -powered versions and do not emit
low frequency sound waves or toxic emissions, reducing harm to operators and other people
nearby; and
WHEREAS, in response to the considerable negative impacts from gas -powered leaf
blowers, over 100 cities across the nation have instituted policies limiting or banning them from
use; and
WHEREAS, the City public works department currently uses gas -powered leaf blowers.
NOW THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MEDINA, WASHINGTON,
RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The City Council recognizes that the use of gas -powered leaf blowers
causes adverse environmental and health impacts, including noise and establishes the following
goals to support the transition away from their use:
Resolution No. 435 Page 1 of 3
A. By January 2028, or later if necessary, the City, and its contractors will phase out
the use of gas -powered leaf blowers; and
B. By January 2028, or later if necessary, institutions located in Medina, businesses
operating in Medina, and Medina residents will phase out the use of gas -powered
leaf blowers.
Section 2. To accomplish the goals in Section 1 of this resolution, the Council requests
that City departments (as suggested below) pursue the following actions:
A. Medina Public Works is recommended to:
1. Evaluate their current practices related to the use of leaf blowers and explore
options to reduce reliance on leaf blowers, both gas -powered and electric, either
by allowing leaves to naturally decompose or clearing them using non -motorized
methods; and
2. To replace gas -powered leaf blowers with electric or battery operated when
feasible; and
3. Develop and implement plans to ensure that City facilities and employees are
adequately equipped with infrastructure and equipment to use electric -powered
leaf blowers rather than gas -powered leaf blowers.
Section 3. To further accomplish the goals in Section 1 of this resolution, Council
directs staff to work with residents, institutions located in Medina and businesses operating in
Medina to pursue to following actions:
A. All residents, institutions located in Medina, and businesses operating in Medina are
encouraged to:
1. Evaluated their current practices related to the use of gas -powered leaf blowers
and explore options to reduce reliance on leaf blowers, both gas -powered and
electric, either by allowing leaves to naturally decompose or clearing them using
non -motorized methods; and
2. To replace gas -powered leaf blowers with electric or battery operated when
feasible.
Section 4. Nothing in this resolution should be construed to preclude or impede the
City's ability to phase out gas -powered leaf blowers more quickly.
Section 5. Effective Date. This Resolution shall be effective upon its adoption by the
City Council.
Resolution No. 435 Page 2 of 3
PASSEDY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MEDINA ON SEPTEMBER1, 2023
AND SIGNED IN AUTHENTICATIONE ITS PASSAGE ON SEPT 11, 2023.
t
Jessica i ossmen, Mayor
Approved as to form Attest,
Ogden Murphy Wallace, PLLC
Scott M. Missell, City Attorney Aimee Kellerman, City Clerk
FILED WITH THE CITY CLERK:
PASSEL BY THE CITY COUNCIL: .
RESOLUTION OLUTION N .43
Resolution No. 435 Page 3 of 3