2020-07-08-NAC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Nick noted that the draft as presented was outdated as it omitted a phase-out clause related to gas powered law equipment. He suggested wording to include a phase out of gas equipment after 1 to 2 years and noted that other communities had done a phase-out. He also noted that setting decibel limits on equipment was tantamount to a ban. Mark S. suggested that passage of a bylaw including a ban or phase-out would be more difficult to pass politically as Select Board members will likely be sensitive to anticipated push back from the community and lawn care organizations. He suggested that NAC focus on communities who have been successful passing an ordinance and follow that approach as it relates to the language used and, in the case of an approved ban,the length of time involved in the phase-out. Dan advised that it was generally difficult to determine what combination of factors had been successful in other communities. Rick also referenced other communities (including Newton)who had sought a gas-powered equipment ban and the resulting mobilization by lawn care providers against those proposals. Other discussion focused on the decibel limits for gas-powered equipment that should be incorporated in the draft bylaw. Dan suggested that the equipment manufacturer's noise emission designation be used and that commercial companies be required to use equipment that is designated up to a limit of 78clB. Stella also suggested that the wording be phrased as "lawn care requirements" in order make it a more positive approach as opposed to a prohibition. Incorporating various proposed amendments to the draft working proposal, Dan moved to amend the working draft as indicated (and included in the minutes below).The motion was seconded by Stewart and following a rollcall voted,the motion was carried unanimously. State Representative Michelle Ciccolo joined the meeting via Zoom at this point and Committee members introduced themselves. Other Business Michelle inquired as to the status of an MAPC grant requested to facilitate the purchase of noise compliant equipment. Rick advised that his group was preparing to make a request to MPAC at this time. Michelle noted that due to the ongoing CV19 pandemic the State government's priorities may result in delays in the MPAC approval process. She indicated it was unlikely any grants would be approved by the end of the year. Dan noted that the real cost to converting to electrical equipment was in the cost of batteries. Nick asked for Michelle's opinion on incorporating wording related to a ban into a proposed bylaw. Michelle suggested that moving forward without including a ban would be preferable but indicated that she was supportive of a ban which could be proposed in the future after the passage of the current draft.