HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-10-04-NAC-min Town of Lexington
Noise Advisory Committee
Minutes of Meeting of October 4, 2018
A meeting of the Noise Advisory Committee was held on Thursday, October 4, 2018 at
7:00 pm in the Dawes Room at the Town Offices. A quorum of four members was
present.
Members Present: Nick Afshartous, Mark McConnell, Lee Minardi (Chair), Richard
Canale (liaison)
Others present: Rick Reibstein (resident, Sustainable Lexington), Jamie Banks (Quiet
Communities)
Members Absent:, Dan Koretz, David Pinsonneault (staff), Michelle Ciccolo (Selectman)
1. Lee presented a draft of the key items for a bylaw changes aimed at lawn care
equipment noise and pollution.
2. Jamie discussed her experience from Lincoln and is going to check into whether she
can share their draft proposal with us.
3. There was a discussion about the specific hours of the day that powered lawn
equipment would be permitted.
4. Richard proposed the idea of licensing land care companies so that regulation can be
stipulated via permitting.
5. It was agreed to seek guidance and support from the BOH (Board of Health)
6. Richard suggested that Mike Bahtarian(noise engineer) would be willing to review
our draft bylaw. Mike was involved with a study done for Hanscom. He was a
consultant to Shire and is familiar with Lexington.
7. Jamie pointed out that a bylaw would need to specify the distance as well as dB levels
for noise thresholds for meaningful measurements to be taken.
8. A phased timing for equipment changes was recommended(e.g., 75dB first year
followed by 65 dB limit thereafter).
9. Jamie mentioned Mass Medical health report from 2017 that would be supporting
documentation.
10. Rick mentioned there's evidence that noise over 60dB increases risk of
cardiovascular disease.
11. Rick discussed how we should target the commercial landscaper with funding for
transition to electric, education,business engagement.
2018-10-04-NAC-min.docx
Noise Advisory Committee 2
12. It was suggested that we consider having residents be responsible for repeated
violations by their lawn care company.
13. Jamie suggested having different hours for gas versus electric powered equipment.
14. Jamie mentioned that 65dB is somewhat of a standard for noise limit and that we
consider that for our bylaw recommendation.
15. There was discussion around enforcement. Having the town police responsible for
enforcing noise bylaws may not be effective. Health department enforcement may be
an option. We need to consult with selectmen to identify appropriate ways to enforce
and have the town fund the resources for enforcement.
16. To have a bylaw recommendation available for a vote at the March 2019 Town
Meeting we would need to have a bylaw proposal finalized by December with prior
input from public meetings and the selectmen.
Actions
1. Lee to reach out to Michelle to discuss overall plan.
2. Lee to draft the wording for a bylaw that addresses the content as suggested at this
meeting.
3. Nick to contact Wendy at BOH to ask for support and to advise her of our efforts.
4. We need to ask Michelle for best time to meet with selectmen. Draft by-law should
be presented to selectmen before going to town meeting.
The date for the next meeting was not set but will be decided via email with committee
members and then announced.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lee Minardi, Chair