HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-03-09-NAC-min NOISE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MEETING
March 9, 2018
Purpose: An informal meeting (not publically announce) called primarily to inform the committee chair
of the process and activities to formulate and implement additions to the Town Bylaws. A goal of the
committee for the upcoming year will be to add some restrictions in the Town Bylaws regarding the use
of leaf blowers to mitigate noise and air pollution.
Attendees: Nick Afshartous resident committee member, Richard Canale Planning Department, Michelle
Ciccolo Selectman, Lee Minardi committee chair
Meeting Content Summary
1. The current Town bylaw that most significantly restricts leaf blower noise is§80-4 H that limits
domestic mechanical equipment to the hours of 7:00am to 9:00pm. There are no quantified limits to
the level of noise for mechanical equipment except the general noise pollution definition of 10 db
above ambient levels. This restriction is difficult to assess.
2. As a comparison, Newton includes the following restrictions:
a. Only permitted between the hours of 7 am to Bpm weekdays
b. 9:30 am to 8 pm Saturdays,Sunday and legal holidays.
c. Not permitted from Memorial Day until Labor Day except for one<= 65 db electric unit that
may be used Mon. thru Fri. 7 am to 5 pm, Sat 8 am to 5pm, and by residents on Sundays and
legal holidays 9:30 am to 5 pm/
3. It was recommended that the committee focus only on leaf blowers for this year.
4. Do not formulate detailed requirements too early in the process. Keep the working definition fluid
as suggestions are made by various stakeholders.
5. Schedule several public hearings to get community input. A rough draft of requirements should be
available for these meetings to provide attendees a base point to modify and enhance.
6. Research what other towns have done to restrict leaf blower noise and learn about the successes
and shortcomings. Try to seek best practices that work.
7. Get input from landscaping companies that do business in town.
8. As the noise bylaw draft becomes better defined distribute it via document or presentation to the
Board of Selectmen, Planning Board, Board of Health, Sustainable Lexington, Lexington Conservation
Committee, Citizens for Lexington Conservation, Global Warming Action Committee.
9. Visit the Chamber of Commerce ad DPW. Determine if the Town can help landscapers with costs to
convert to equipment that is in compliance to new requirements.
10. The goal is to the have the public meetings in the Fall 2018 and have bylaw language that could be
voted on at Town Meeting in March 2019.
11. The Committee does have access to Town Council.
12. Note, Carol Kowalski, the Assistant Town Manager for Development, was formerly involved with
planning for Arlington and would be familiar with their efforts to control leaf blower noise.
Recorded by Lee Minardi, 3/12/2018
2018-03-09-NAC-m i n.docx