July 13, 2011:  With the unanimous passage of Proposed Local Law No. 7-2011, the Bronxville Board of Trustees will institute stiff fines for violations of the seasonal prohibition of gasoline-powered leaf blowers.  Presiding in the absence of Mayor Mary Marvin, Trustee Anne Poorman opened a public hearing on the proposed law.

Although a law banning the use of gasoline-powered leaf blowers has been in effect since 2001, the $25 fine for each violation has done nothing to deter or reduce the use of these blowers, especially by professional gardeners.  Residents' increasing frustrations and calls to police to report infractions have not increased gardeners' compliance with the law.

"The fine has been so minimal, the gardening services look at it as a cost of doing business," said Trustee Donald Gray.  "They have paid the fines and come back to work with the gasoline-powered blowers."

The new law prohibits the use of gasoline-powered leaf blowers between June 1 and September 30 and carries a mandatory fine of $250 for the first violation, a mandatory $500 fine for a second violation committed within 365 days of the first offense, and a mandatory fine of $1,000 for the third or subsequent offense committed within 365 days of the first offense.

"Both Mayor Marvin and Chief Satriale think it's important that we get the fines in place this summer so that we can actually add some teeth to the law," stated Poorman.

Enforcement of the new law will go into effect when proper public notification has been made to residents as well as professional gardening services that operate within the village.  "We want to give fair and appropriate notice," Poorman said, "but we do want to be able to enforce the law during this season."

In new business, the trustees passed a resolution to authorize the village treasurer to accept tax-exempt contributions to the Bronxville Veterans Memorial Trust Fund and to establish a trust account for these funds.  A group of village residents has formed a committee to preserve the contents of the veterans program and make it available for future exhibitions.  The exhibition generated great interest among students when it was presented at The Bronxville School this year.  The committee also wants to perpetuate the exhibit and include it as part of the annual Memorial Day celebration.

Harold Porr, village administrator, noted that since the village treasurer has accepted donations in the past on behalf of community organizations, a precedent already exists.  James Staudt, village attorney, stated that he has examined and addressed any legal issues that might arise.

"It's within the purview of the village government to do this," Porr said.  "The governmental purpose can be seen because the Memorial Day celebration is sponsored by the village."

The next regular Board of Trustees meeting will be Monday, September 12, at 8:00 pm in the Trustees Room at Bronxville Village Hall. There will be no meeting in August.