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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020.01.22 Conservation Commission Agenda Packet ASHLAND CONSERVATION AND CLIMATE OUTREACH COMMISSION Meeting Agenda January 22, 2020—6:00 to 8:00 PM Community Development Building, Siskiyou Room, 51 Winburn Way Note: This meeting will be recorded and uploaded to the website to accompany the minutes. L (6:00) - Call to Order 2. Consent Agenda 2.1. December 18, 2019 Meeting Minutes 3. Announcements 3.1. Next Regular Meeting: February 26, 2020 3.2. Upcoming Subcommittee meetings 33. Other Announcements from Commissioners 4. (6:10) - Public Forum to be evenly divided by public wishing to speak (10 min) 5. (6:20) -Reports/Presentations (35 min) 5.1 Community/Neighborhood Presentation (20 min) 5.2 Council Update (5 min) 5.3 Administration Update (5 min) 6. (6:55) Old Business (60 min) 6.1. Other Commission Updates (5 min) 6.2. 10 by 20 Update (15 min) 6.3. Update on Bag Ban and Debrief on State Laws (10 min) 6.4. Commission Monthly Column in Sneak Preview (15 min) 1. Approve Article Due Due to Month Sneak Published Article Assigned To for Preview Approved? Packet (staft) March History of Conservation Buck/Hanks Jan. 13 Feb. 14 Commission April Joint CCOC and CPC Article McGinnis/Graham Feb. 18 Mar. 16 May Climate Emergency Declaration Koopman/McGinnis Mar. 16 Apr. 20 June Water Conservation Water Subcommittee/ Apr. 13 May 18 Smitherman July Addressing Consumption Koopman/McGinnis May 18 Jun. 15 Emissions TBD—What happens to recycling? (Moore/Rosenthal), Jukebox Electric Car Charger(Green), and Climate Emergency (Koopman) 6.5 Subcommittee updates (15 min) 6.5.1 Water 6.5.2 Waste Prevention 6.5.3 Air Quality 6.5.4 Marketing and Outreach 7. New Business CITY O F oAS H L 'A N Dr 8. (7:55) - Wrap Up (5 min) 8.1. Review of Action Items • Email Kevin Golden to connect Buck and Cooper(Hanks) • Meet with staff about banning or phasing out single use items (Waste Prevention) • Research leaf blower bans and possible incentives (McGinnis/Cooper) o Check with CPC on their work on this issue • Research adaptation actions for Community presentations (Moore) • CPC meeting(Koopman, McGinnis, Walker, Moore, and staff • Electric landscaping equipment outreach (McGinnis) • Displaying outreach materials on City TVs (McGinnis) • Updating the Commission webpage (staff with Commission input) • Researching grants for Tool Library(Cooper and Koopman) • Creating a spreadsheet for outreach activities (Green and Moore) • Checking with Ashland School District about getting a new representative (McGinnis) • Checking with local landscapers about using electric tools (McGinnis) • Referencing the Drawdown book for importance of various actions for neighborhood meetings (Moore) • Researching locations for presentations (Moore) 8.2. Items to be added to future agendas • Multifamily Recycling Ordinance Review (TBD) Conservation and Climate Outreach Commission The purpose of Ashland's Conservation and Climate Outreach Commission is to support the achievement of Ashland's Community Climate Recovery Goals and conservation activities. The Commission shall actively encourage Community entities and individuals to make wise use of resources and make progress toward Ashland's Community Climate Goals as set forth in the most current City Council approved version of the Climate and Energy Action Plan. The Conservation and Climate Outreach Commission consists of nine voting members including one representative each from the solid waste franchisee for the City, Southern Oregon University, and the Ashland School District, and six other voting members. Powers and Duties Generally: A. Consistent with City policies and procedures, educate and advocate for Ashland's Community Climate Recovery Goals B. Consistent with the Climate and Energy Action Plan, make recommendations on strategies, actions, and programs related to the wise and efficient use of resources by all Ashland citizens, including: a. Consumption of goods and services; b. Materials management, waste prevention, reduction, and recycling; c. Conservation and efficient use of electricity, water, and natural resources; d. Promotion of community, residential, and commercial renewable resources; e. Air quality awareness; and f. Climate resilience and preparedness. Minutes for the Conservation and Climate Outreach Commission December 18, 2019 Page 1 of 4 MINUTES FOR THE CONSERVATION AND CLIMATE OUTREACH COMMISSION Wednesday, December 18, 2019 Siskiyou Room, 51 Winburn Way 1. Call to Order Chair James McGinnis called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Commissioners Risa Buck, Larry Cooper, Rebecca Walker, Marion Moore, and Jamie Rosenthal and staff liaison Adam Hanks were present. Commissioner Marni Koopman arrived shortly after the meeting started. Commissioner Bryan Sohl, Council liaison Stefani Seffinger, and staff liaison Stu Green were absent. The Commission officially welcomed Walker as the new Southern Oregon University(SOU) representative. Hanks announced that Steve Mitzel will be joining them in January as an interim Ashland School District (ASD) representative. 2. Consent Agenda 2.1. November 13, 2019 Meeting Minutes Koo man arrived at 6:04 p.rn. Buck/Moore moved/seconded to approve the minutes as written. Further discussion: none. All ayes. Motion passed unanimously_. 3. Announcements 3.1. Next Regular Meeting: January 22, 2020 3.2. Upcoming Subcommittee meetings Buck stated that the Waste Prevention Subcommittee will schedule a meeting after this meeting. Cooper expressed interest in joining the Water Subcommittee and will coordinate with Buck. 3.3. Other Announcements from Commissioners Cooper expressed the importance of reaching out to staff and Council about the Water Treatment Plant as he has done with the City Administrator. Buck inquired about the Conservation Corner articles being online and Moore stated that they are now on the Commission's webpage. Rosenthal announced that Recology will be picking up Christmas trees for free from Monday, January 6 until Friday, January 17. Any pick-ups after that this time will cost five dollars. McGinnis stated that Recology is out of bear proof trash containers. He also stated that if you only fill up the container half way it only costs six dollars more. 4. Public Forum Louise Shawkat— spoke towards banning leaf blowers because of their negative effect on health and the environment. She stated that Portland and other cities around the country have made efforts to do so. Flavia Franco—with Emerging Futures Youth Network and Southern Oregon Food Solutions announced that the Southern Oregon Food Solutions project was recently awarded a $50,000 grant from the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). Huelz Gutcheon— stated he will be sending the Commission a carbon reduction email. He will also be working towards getting permission for solar panels and information on solar and electric vehicles in the lobby of the Community Development building. 5. Reports/Presentations 5.1 Council Update Hanks announced upcoming items to Council including: Minutes for the Conservation and Climate Outreach Commission December 18, 2019 Page 2 of 4 • January 6—Water Master Plan presentation • January 7—Final asset management (which will look at how existing City properties can be better utilized or surplused) • January 21 —Trails Master Plan • February 3 —Climate Policy Commission(CPC) recommendation to Council • February 4—Further discussion and possible adoption of the Water Master Plan Hanks stated that the climate emergency declaration was brought to Council by Councilor Seffinger on December 17. Councilor Graham stated at that meeting that the CPC would bring up the climate emergency with their list of recommendations for Council action in February. 5.2 Administration Update Hanks announced that the annual solar partners meeting with staff will occur soon to discuss current incentives and volume trends the partners are seeing. He also stated that he and Green are working with Rogue Federal Credit Union for an expanded energy efficiency home loan program. The loan will be financed with interest through Rogue Federal Credit Union, but the City will provide backing in case of defaults. Buck asked if this could be expanded to loans for purchasing electric landscaping equipment. Hanks stated that it potentially could although there are issues with the funding source. The Built Environment Subcommittee of CPC is looking into addressing two stroke gas powered landscaping equipment and incentives for switching. McGinnis would like to reform the Air Quality Subcommittee to address some of these issues. Hanks stated to not to overlap with CPC and the Commission discussed having more coordination with CPC. This could include both Commissions having a joint meeting once or twice a year and having the Chair and Vice Chairs meet in between then. The Commission also expressed interest in having a rotating ex-officio liaison spot of CPC and vice versa. Hanks suggested that this be brought up at the CPC meeting which is on Thursday, January 9 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Siskiyou Room. McGinnis and Moore will also reach out to Tonya Graham the Chair of CPC to try to coordinate a meeting before the January CCOC meeting. 5.3 CPC Staff Liaison Update There are currently three Subcommittees: Administrative/Planning, Utilities, and Built Environment. The Administrative/Planning Subcommittee will coordinate between the Commissions and shepherd requests to Council. The Built Environment Subcommittee is tasked with transportation and land use issues including EV charging and incentive programs. They are planning to work on green building codes, a possible natural gas phase out or moratorium, and banning or phasing out two stroke gas powered landscaping equipment. The Utilities Subcommittee is working on creating a Comprehensive Electric Utility Plan from the current 10- Year Planning Study. They will also be reviewing and commenting on master plans that go before the City Council. 5.4 Update on Bag Ban and Debrief on State Laws McGinnis moved this item to the next meeting due to lack of time. 6. Old Business 6.1. Commission Monthly Column in Sneak Preview • Approve Article Moore stated she made a change to the article to link to the City website for a copy of the Climate Card. She also will add a line for the Sneak Preview editor to list the page the Climate Minutes for the Conservation and Climate Outreach Commission December 18, 2019 Page 3 of 4 Card ad will be on. Discussion from the Commission surrounded adding a graphic to replace the numbers listing the tons of reduction and adding a line to state to continue with actions even if some have been completed already by the reader. Buck/Koopman moved/seconded to approve the article with the changes discussed. Further discussion: none. All ayes. Motion passed unanimously. The Commission decided on the future schedule of articles as follows: • March—History of Conservation Commission (Buck/Hanks) • April—Joint Commission Article (Graham/McGinnis) • May—Climate Emergency Declaration (Koopman/McGinnis) • June—Water Conservation (Smitherman and Water Subcommittee) • July—Addressing Consumption Emissions (Koopman/McGinnis) 6.2. Subcommittee updates 6.2.1 Water Buck reached out to Julie Smitherman, Water Conservation Analyst, about City education of deicing chemicals in parking lots. Hanks stated that Kevin Golden, Engineering Technician II, works mostly with the storm drains affected and would be a good contact for them. Hanks will email Golden to connect with Buck and Cooper. 6.2.2 Waste Prevention Walker stated that the Subcommittee has met three times and showed a slideshow (see attached) of their research on banning single use items around the country. The Subcommittee asked the Commission for permission to continue researching and meet with staff about the possibility on bringing a single use item ban to Ashland. The Commission was supportive of the Subcommittee moving forward on this issue. 6.2.3 Air Quality McGinnis and Cooper will start researching bans and incentives for leaf blowers and will include Sohl, who is a part of this Subcommittee. 6.2.4 Marketing and Outreach Moore announced that the Subcommittee no longer needs to meet on the two projects they are working on. Moore stated that her community presentations have been going well, but she hopes to reach others who are not already aware of LEAP and action needed. Hanks stated the interest in turning the presentation into a video to play on its own. 6.3 Neighborhood Presentations 6.3.1 Approval Cooper/Moore moved/seconded to approve the neighborhood/community presentation slide deck. Further discussion: Buck asked for it to be periodically updated and brought back to the Commission. After some discussion, Moore agreed that she would add in more adaptation actions to the presentation/discussions and she will present the presentation at the next meeting All Ayes. Motion passed unanimously. 6.3.2 Discussion of Community Use There was some discussion of letting others outside of the Commission use the presentation and it was decided that the video presentation would be the one to share. Minutes for the Conservation and Climate Outreach Commission December 18, 2019 Page 4 of 4 7. New Business 7.1. Climate Policy Commission Engagement Items The items recently discussed by CPC to pass to CCOC were: public engagement to stakeholders affected by policies; CEAP update and possible open houses; and website development for tracking and outreach. McGinnis will follow up with Graham to meet before the next meeting. 8. Wrap Up 8.1. Review of Action Items • Background on what other cities will have done to declare a climate emergency (Koopman) This has been moved to CPC's duties. • CPC meeting(Koopman, McGinnis, Walker, and staff This will be done before the next meeting. • Sneak Preview ad for Rogue to Go pilot program and the Climate Action card (staff) Done. The rest of the items were not discussed: • Electric landscaping equipment outreach (McGinnis) • Displaying outreach materials on City TVs (McGinnis) • Updating the Commission webpage (staff with Commission input) • Researching grants for Tool Library (Cooper and Koopman) • Creating a spreadsheet for outreach activities (Green and Moore) • Checking with Ashland School District about getting a new representative (McGinnis) • Checking with local landscapers about using electric tools (McGinnis) • Referencing Drawdown for importance of various actions for presentation discussions (Moore) • Researching locations for presentations (Moore) 82. Items to be added to next agenda • 10 by 20 Update (January) • Public Meeting, Records, and Ethics Presentation • Multifamily Recycling Ordinance Review(TBD) Chair McGinnis adjourned at 8 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Elizabeth Taylor, Executive Assistant m 4==J (3) C6 4==J C/) Q) 4==J m Q u m ............. ........... 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Single-use checkout bag House Bill (HB) 2509 assed in the 2019 Ore on A bag made of paper, plastic, or other . ' passed g material that is provided to a customer at the legislative session, prohibits retail stores and restaurants g p from providing single-use checkout bags to customers, and time of checkout, and that does not meet the the definition of recycled checkout bag, Y paper y p p provide. The ban goes into effect on January 1, 2020. After reusable fabric checkout bag, or reusable that a retail store or restaurant may provide Y rovide only reusable plastic checkout bag. or recycled paper checkout bags to customers. In certain Reusable Plastic Checkout Bag cases, they must charge a fee to customers for providing A bag with handles, designed and the bag. The new law repeals ORS 459A.695, which manufactured to be used multiple times, and required retail stores providing plastic checkout bags to made of durable plastic that is at least 4 mils offer paper bags as an alternative. thick. WhyliIs this Initiative i tive II p II ° II °I . Reusable Fabric Checkout Bag A bag with handles, designed and By encouraging the switch to reusable or recycled paper s manufactured to be used multiple times, and bags, Ore s p g � on can reduce the amounts of single-use bags g g g i that are used and thrown out, while addressing a made of cloth r ° h it I ii n Il le fabiri significant problem for Oregon's recycling programs: c. plastic bags. When plastic bags end up in recycling bins, Recycled Paper Checkout Bag they can contaminate the recycling stream and endanger A paper bag made of at least tl the safety of workers who must untangle them from consuimeir relcycled ii r. recycling equipment. The ban is also a first step towards addressing the large amount of plastic debris in the oceans, which threatens Oregon's marine wildlife. What doesII this thiismean III II cansumers For consumers who do not bring reusable bags, expect to pay a small fee at the register. This fee helps offset the cost businesses pay to purchase more sustainable bags. This fee can vary by store and city/county. Some bags, such as those for bulk items and privacy purposes, are not covered. Retail stores and restaurants may provide certain reusable bags for free to customers using a WIC voucher or electronic benefits transfer card. What do businesses III II II II II III IIneed "' II After January 1, 2020, businesses can no longer provide single-use bags and must charge a fee for certain types of reusable bags. State ofOregon errDepartment of Environmental Quallity Wha�t��ty��pes o°f iireqUiFre fees?. iNted qui:ire �req u i:No fee, ire d $ Fee, red Proh'i: 1 Reusable fabric bagstif' Recycled pa�pe,r ba,,,g/,,,,,s* offerI a priomoifio, ifs Reus,aW. I aiirli Ibr ,,s* SInglell.,use bag;s (no more,than 12 darys Reus14ble fabi,rIic bi�aggs Retaill stores per,ye air, J,, �RrHr ,uuuiiiugi4kp( IIII Recycled pa per,bags Reusablb la ti Ib ' S'11 rigJe11­use bags Rie st a u ra iirits, *Some exceptions apply HOWiiMU611 iiis lt he "'fee aii h&re does 111t go Check with local jurisdictions. HB 2509 requires a charge of at least five cents for the "Fee Required" checkout bags, but allows local governments to require higher fees locally. Businesses keep the fee, which allows them to recover costs in providing reusable bags. Aiire tt-i&re aiin pl,tiiiosins pr,oVided?. The single-use checkout bag ban does not apply to bags provided to customers at a time other than checkout, which includes: • Bags designed to hold bulk items such as small hardware or for sanitary or privacy purposes; • Certain specialty bags, such as garment bags; • Bags sold in a package for uses such as food storage, garbage or pet waste. Retail stores may provide recycled paper checkout bags or reusable plastic checkout bags for free to customers using a WIC voucher or electronic benefits transfer card. They may also offer reusable fabric bags for free as a promotion on 12 or fewer days in a year. Restaurants may provide reusable plastic checkout bags for free to customers using an electronic benefits transfer. ��Flow W[11 l Kl inllfoirced?i. A violation of the provisions of HB 2509 is a Class D violation subject to a maximum fine of$250. Class D violations are enforced by law enforcement officers, who may issue a citation to a retailer or restaurant. Each day a retailer or restaurant commits a violation is considered a new offense. HB 2509 allows a different penalty to be set under local provisions, so check with local jurisdictions for specific questions about enforcement. A restaurant or retail store can be charged with a violation under either the local provision or the penalty specified in HB 2509, but not both. In Aiir heire &nyiir iftirigiirequi ireim&nits Yes. By September 15, 2024, grocers must provide the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality with information on collection of bag fees and customers' usage of recycled paper, reusable fabric and reusable plastic checkout bags. DEQ must submit a report about this information to the legislature by September 15, 2025. Whalt e1se do loca! goveiiriiniimeiinllts iineed "to kinow HB 2509 generally preempts, or overrides, any existing local bag policy. Aside from setting a higher fee and penalty in their jurisdictions, local governments may not adopt local provisions with definitions, requirements or restrictions that differ from HB 2509. For additional information on HB 2509,visit the Oregon Legislative Information System website at httos Wol is,I eq.state,or,us/I oz/201 9 R 1/Measu res/Overv'ew/H R2,909. to access the full bill and materials. The Ashland Conservation Commission UPDATE By Risa Buck, longtime Conservation Commissioner & now Conservation & Climate Outreach Commissioner The Ashland Conservation Commission has served the city since its inception thanks to the forward thinking of a collaborative governmental, public sector and citizen effort. It was birthed as the Recycling Task Force in 1993 and was the driving force behind the Water Street Recycling Center that continues to serve the Ashland community and beyond. In 1995 this organization formalized and became the Ashland Conservation Commission with leadership from then mayor Cathy Golden Shaw, City Councilors Ken Hagen, Carole Wheeldon, Susan Reid, City staff Dick Wanderscheid., Ashland Sanitary' s former co-owner, Russ Chapman (now RecologyAshland) and others. This month's "Conservation Corner" looks back at the last almost 25 years and 50 citizen commissioners, staff and city council liaisons, who have steadily tackled a number of environmental challenges and issues. (see ad with the comprehensive list of participants). The Ashland Conservation Commission has recently earned a new title as part of a multi-year process that helped create the Climate and Energy Action Plan (CEAP). CEAP was born from the hard work of an Ad-Hoc Citizen committee artfully guided by City Councilor Rich Rosenthal. It was approved unanimously by the City Council in the spring of 2017. CEAP's goals include a comprehensive list of actions to pursue (www.ashland.or.us/climateplan) To oversee the success of this commitment, it funded a new City staff position, Climate & Energy Analyst. Stu Green is diligently leading the charge to guide the City and community to accomplish these goals. The February "Conservation Corner" article will focus on the new Climate Policy Commission (CPC). During this process, it became apparent that the mission of the original Conservation Commission (CC) needed to be updated to closely align with a much-needed element of the CEAP that fit the history and efforts of the Commission. Historically, the Conservation Commission's successes have included piloting new projects, educating the community through classes, attending and supporting community events like Earth Day and the Bear Creek Salmon Festival. The CC is now formally called the Conservation and Climate Outreach Commission (CCOC). Our community and Council now have two formal Commissions specifically charged with moving forward policies, projects, education and outreach in support of implementing the CEAP. As we mark the somewhat subtle but important change in scope and charge of the CC, it is worth noting some of the important work dedicated members have accomplished in nearly 25 years of supporting the community in conservation, sustainability and climate action. Some of the projects and recommendations the Conservation Commission has been involved with over the years includes: • 4t" of July parade floats promoting conservation and recycling • Conservationist of the Year Awards • The Earth Bowl — SustainabiIity/Climate centric Middle School academic competition • Sponsorship and participation in Rogue Valley Earth Day • Support and participation in the Bear Creek Salmon Festival • Development of a local Green Business Program • Annual composting classes for residents • Research and recommendation for the Plastic Bag Ban • Downtown collection baskets (Bottles &Cans) • Cigarette butt collection containers (removed with downtown smoking ban) • Storm Drain Marking efforts (No Dumping — Drains to Stream) • Developed and hosted Graywater Workshop for contractors and residents • Ongoing Laundry to Landscape and rainwater catchment tours and classes • Green & Solar Home Tours • Monthly articles in Conservation Corner (see www ashlaindir,us/conservationcoirineir for the full article library) Stay tuned in 2020 for: • Expanded climate action educational materials, classes and presentation opportunities • Rogue to Go — DEQ grant funded project partnering with local businesses to bring a reusable food container program to the community. • Research adoption of city-wide policy to eliminate single use items that keep our trash receptacles full. • Air quality and idling offer examples of ongoing challenges we will tackle with the CPC toward carbon reduction. The reason the Conservation & Climate Outreach Commission continues to be relevant is because we are one of the links to update, communicate, and inform the community on climate policies, programs and actions that can be taken to support our community in pushing the climate action needle forward locally and beyond. To achieve these critical goals, it requires something from each of us. Stay tuned and join in! ASHLAND CONSERVATION COMMISSIONERS SINCE1996 Thank you for your dedicated servicer community and environment. Karen Amarotico Ken Hagen Thomas Beam Tracy Harding Roxane Beigel-Coryell Jim Hartman Charles Bennett,Jr. Ashley Henry Lisa Black Kathryn Houser Larry Blake George Hutchinson Howard Braham Kerry KenCairn Carol Carlson Joanne Krippaehne Carol Chamber Shelley Lotz, Sheri Cellini John McCory�r; Russ Chapman Bruce Moats 11 Jeff Cooper Dan Murphy: Stuart Corns Russ Otte Darcy Cronin Paige Prewe/ft Cara Cruickshank David,Ru px/bl Davy Davis Melissa Schweisguth Kate DeWayne Shel$Verberg Kirk Evans„ Mort Smith , Ross Finney David Sommer Lindsay Gerken Kari Tuck Cat Gould Mark Weir CONSERVATIONCURRENT CLIMATEI I Risa Buck• Larry Cooper 9 Marni Koopman James McGinnise MarionMoore Jamienth I e Bryan Sohl 9 Rebecca Walker Conservation and Climate Outreach Commission Waste Prevention Subcommittee January 7, 2020 The Waste Prevention Sub Committee took place at 3pm on 7th January and was attended by Risa Buck, Rebecca Walker, Jamie Rosenthal and Adam Hanks. Alan Kenner attended from the general public. This meeting focused on next steps following the discussions and agreement at the Climate Outreach and Conservation Commission on the 18th December to progress work to address single use items in the City of Ashland. It was agreed to focus further research on: the items to include initially; whether to proceed with a policy resolution or ordinance; and best practice for a wider strategy. A clear proposal will come back to the Climate Outreach and Conservation Commission in the coming months. . . Air 'ualif r 20200103 3 Participants: Larry Cooper and James McGinnis Discussion Items • Collaboration with Ashland Hardware Electrical Landscaping Equipment. This will need to be a generic offering, not to a specific business. A business can independently offer these services and educational programs. • Education around leaf blowers. In connection with Earth Day(3-way contest—e-blower, gas-blower, rake)— set it up as a flash mob? Video it and make it available as part of Larry's video library. Other opportunities during peak leaf blower times in fall around town as a flash mob. Is this legitimate for the CCC to sponsor this or does it need to be purely citizen driven? • Research on other cities. (https://www.nonoise.org/quietnet/cqs/other.htm, https://hdsupplysolutions.com/s/leaf blower—noise—regulation Then select Oregon). Larry will follow up with those cities and new cities that have banned or otherwise leaf blowers. • Research on health regarding leaf blowers (asthma, noise, and fumes). o Hearing: https://www.sierraclub.or /loma-prieta/blog/2017/08/lifestyle-eco- actions-gas-powered-leaf-blowers .o o further studies: https://www.salon.com/2017/10/08/noisy-but-that-is-not- all partner/ o health Threat Seattle: https://www.seattleglobalist.com/2017/09/25/leaf-blowers- flag ed-as-polluters-possible-health-threat/68802 o Health and environmental impacts of leaf blowers: https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/resources/documents/health-and-environmental-impacts- leaf-blowers o Further studies 2019: https://www.zmescience.com/science/leaf-blowers-health- noise-hazards/ • Carrot vs stick? Ordinance vs other means of encouraging use of e blowers/suckers or rakes. Blowers are best at removing leaves from landscaping, but what about Japanese garden rakes that do the same thing? Then there is the "added overhead costs" in labor in raking vs blowing. Then there is the health factor of dust, and fossil fuel fumes. • Check in with Ahimsa Gardens Ashland to see what they are doing in lieu of leaf blowing. James will follow up.