Leaf blower referendum comes to Council

Will leaf blowers have their day before the court of public opinion? That’s what the Sonoma City Council will consider Monday, when the issue of blowers and ballots crosses winds once again.

The ongoing debate over whether the city should restrict or ban the blustery landscaping machines has enjoyed its share of cliffhangers. On March 21, a divided City Council voted 3-2 to adopt an ordinance banning gas-powered blowers and further restricting usage of electric blowers. Outraged leaf-blower supporters, in turn, launched a signature drive to place the ordinance on the ballot and, after collecting more than the required 640 valid signatures, the proposed referendum was “received” by the City Council on May 16.

At the June 27 meeting, council members will weigh three leaf-blower options: to repeal the March 21 gas-blower ban; to place the referendum on the Nov. 8 ballot; or to schedule a special election for the referendum. The ordinance approved March 21 was set to take effect July 1. However, once the petition became certified by the County Registrar of Voters, according to city code, the ordinance is suspended until an election takes place, or the council repeals the ordinance.

If and when the ordinance appears on the ballot, voters would be faced with the following question:

“Shall Sonoma City Council Ordinance No. 01-2016 banning the use of gas leaf blowers within the City’s limits but permitting the use of electric and battery-powered leaf blowers under specified regulations be adopted?”

A “yes” vote would mean upholding the current ordinance which bans gas and restricts electric blowers; a “no” vote would be to overturn the new ordinance and revert to previous leaf blower law.

The cost of a leaf-blower election would be dependent upon whether it were part of the upcoming Nov. 8 election – in which city staff estimates a cost of $6,500 – or if a special election were held simply for leaf blowers, which would set the city back between $32,615 and $45,661.

It’s not all leaf blowers at the meeting. Also on the agenda, will be the Council’s consideration of adopting a 2016-17 fiscal budget of $31,381,000; an analysis of options regarding the “sunset provisions” of the Measure J half-cent sales tax; and discussion of a proposed “safe parking” program at the Haven homeless shelter at 151 First St. W.

The meeting takes place June 27 at 6 p.m. at the Community Meeting Room, 177 First St. W.

Email Jason at jason.walsh@sonomanews.com.