Submitted by: Schaible
Submitting Department: Legislative
Agenda Section: Action
Item Title:
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Hyattsville Ordinance 2022-02: Municipal Gas-Powered Leaf Blower Ban (SECOND READING & ADOPTION)
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Suggested Action:
recommendation
I move the Mayor and Council adopt Hyattsville Ordinance 2022-02, whereby the City Council amends Chapter 79 of the Hyattsville Code to implement a prohibition on the use of gas-powered leaf blowers within the City’s municipal boundaries as well as a gas-powered leaf blower rebate program, effective August 1, 2022.
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Summary Background:
Council authorized a motion in December 2021 to have the City Attorney draft legislation for a municipal gas-powered leaf blower ban and the implementation of a rebate program. Attached is the draft ordinance for an initial Council discussion. A first reading was held on June 6, 2022, with adoption scheduled for June 21. Following this schedule, the Ordinance will be effective on July 11, 2022 and the restriction and rebate will be effective on August 1, 2022.
There are three changes in the proposed ordinance from the first reading, detailed below. The proposed changes are either clarifying or grammatical and do not impact the intent of the ordinance.
1. Correction to typo on page 7, line 22 to correct the reference to the Subsection 2 to Subsection 3.
2. Removal of the following requirement for the rebate from page 7, lines 15-16: “(D) The electric-leaf blower purchased by the eligible homeowner or landscaping contractor to replace the gas-powered leaf blower; and”. City staff reviewed and discussed the requirements required for the processing of the rebate and felt it was burdensome to ask the resident or contractor to bring both the old gas leaf blower to turn in and the new electric leaf blower in addition to the receipt to prove purchase. Staff believes the receipt of the purchase of an electric leaf blower is sufficient to process the rebate.
3. Alignment of the date periods for the phased rebate to reflect the new start date of August 1, 2022. The initial rebate period will run from August 1, 2022, to July 31, 2023, the 50% rebate will run from August 1, 2023, to January 31, 2024, and the 25% rebate will run from February 1, 2024, to August 1, 2024.
Next Steps:
Second reading is scheduled for June 21, 2022. Upon adoption, staff will work on implementation.
Fiscal Impact:
Below are the budget estimates for this program. The FY23 budget adjustments will need to be authorized by the Council in FY23.
Estimated budget amounts for future Council consideration are itemized by Fiscal Year (FY) below:
FY23: $12,000.00
- Replace City GPLBs: $7,000.00
- Communications and Outreach: $5,000.00
FY23: $40,600.00
- GPLB Rebate: $40,600.00
- Contracted Services to Manage GPLB Rebate: Amount TBD
FY24: $10,000.00
- GPLB Rebate: $10,000.00
Total anticipated budget request: $62,600.00
City Administrator Comments:
The staff can support this motion.
Community Engagement:
A communications and outreach strategy is planned and will be ready to launch in advance of the August 1 start date.
Strategic Goals:
Goal 3 - Promote a Safe and Vibrant Community
Legal Review Required?
Complete