2021-06-08-NAC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

insects during the spring season. In essence, the Committee was advised of a serious issue concerning potential damage by leaf blowers to bees and other pollinators who nest in the over-winter accumulation of leaves and other debris within the Town. It was suggested that these pollinators are most vulnerable during the early Spring and it was suggested by the ecologist that the period of allowed leaf blower usage begin after May V, or, as a compromise, after April 15tH A member of the public also suggested during the meeting (via posted comment) that raking was more disruptive to ground nesting pollinators than Leaf Blowers. The Committee discussed this environmental issue and agreed it should be raised the Select Board and Town meeting as part of the Committee's overall recommendations. Vicki noted that communication and education regarding this issue with landscapers and residents will be important going forward. The Committee also discussed the fact that its remit is noise-focused and that other environmental issues, while identified and raised as concerns, are properly dealt with by the Select Board. Seasonal Restrictions Dan then addressed the proposed dates of permitted GLB operation in the Fall and Spring clean-up periods. Considering input received from landscapers and others, the approaches used in Lincoln and Newton were discussed.The Newton approach allows GLB operation from Sept 6th to May 30th each year. In Lincoln the approach avoids clean-ups using GLBs prior to March 15th Following deliberation, the following motions were made: Motion Fall Start Time Dan moved that the Fall start time for permitted GLB operation be set at September 15th.The motion was seconded by April and, following a roll-call vote, the motion passed unanimously. Motion Fall End Time Dan moved that the Fall end time for permitted GLB operation be set at December 30th.The motion was seconded by April and, following a roll-call vote, the motion passed unanimously. Motion Spring Start and End Times Nick moved that the Spring time period for permitted GLB operation commence on March 15th and end on May 31ST.The motion was seconded by Stewart and, following a rollcall vote the motion carried on the following basis: