Debate Around Leaf Blower Ban Continues In Morristown

MORRISTOWN, NJ — On Tuesday, Morristown voters will decide on passing a public question that calls on the town to take a stand and take action on a contributor to local pollutants and resident headaches: gas-powered leaf blowers.

The debated ordinance, which was produced by council member Stefan Armington's successful petition, was put to a vote by the Morristown Council back in August.

After a contentious discussion between the mayor and the councilman who led the initiative, the ordinance was defeated 4-3.

However, the matter has now been turned over to the public.

If the measure is passed by the community, there will be a seasonal ban on the use of gas-powered leaf blowers between Jan. 1 and Sept. 30 of each year.

The measure would last for at least three years.

Morristown adopted the NJDEP's model noise ordinance in 2021, which establishes maximum allowable decibel levels during the day and night, ensuring residents' right to live in peace.

Although the ordinance was passed unanimously, the town has been unable or unwilling to educate the public about the noise ordinance or enforce the laws, Armington claims.

“Noise levels generally exceeded 75 to 85 decibels across the street, at my front door. The ordinance says 65 is the maximum,” Armington said.

In preparation for the election, council member Armington recently mailed a letter urging voters to support the ban. The letter, which used the town's logo, named a variety of concerns and complaints associated with gas-powered leaf blowers.

During the Oct. 24 town council meeting, Councilman David Silva brought up the letter objecting to Armington’s use of the town's logo to advocate for passage of the referendum on Nov. 7.

Silva expressed concern that utilizing the town's logo could confuse citizens who do not attend town council meetings, leading them to believe that the letter was written and approved by the administration.

"Otherwise, we are setting a precedent in which someone can throw something to be a vote but only one side is speaking their argument and the other side is not able to speak," Silva said.

Council President Sandi Mayer disagreed, stating that the other side also had an opportunity to speak and voice their thoughts on the measure.

Morristown Attorney David Minchello stated that, while utilizing the town's logo could be misunderstood as an endorsement by the town administration, Armington was legally permitted to use the logo.

Following the meeting, Mayor Tim Dougherty also issued a statement to residents, discussing the matter of the letter.

"It has come to my attention that Councilman Stefan Armington mailed a letter to residents in support of the referendum regarding gas-powered leaf blowers. Let me be clear: His letter only reflects his personal opinion as an individual and does not represent an official position of the Town or the Administration. Also, many residents have also asked me if the letter was paid for by the town through taxpayer dollars. Councilman Armington’s letter was not paid for with taxpayer dollars," Dougherty said.

The mayor encouraged all residents of Morristown to review the referendum question and make up their own minds on the subject.