10-27-1997 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION COUNCIL OCT 2 7 1997 CITYOFOnONO DATE: October 23, 1997 ITEM NO ' \ \ ^ i Department Approval: Name Gregory A. Gappa Title Director of Public Services Administrator Reviewed:Agenda Section: Administrators Report Item Description: City Policy Regarding Burning Permits This Item was previously discussed by the City Council in August 1997 (See attached information). At that time, the Council action requested was to confirm the City's current burning permit policy. The Council referred this issue back to staff for further consideration. City staff has researched this topic and had several discussions regarding this issue. Our opinion is that the current policy, except for a minor change to the length of time permits are issued for, is appropriate for the City of Orono. We occasionally hear comments that less densely developed cities further west have less restrictive policies. Less restrictive policies may be appropriate for these types of cities, but with the existing developed conditions in Orono, less restrictive policies would be problematic. The entire area around Lake Mmnetonka and Long Lake is developed at higher urban type densities where open burning, that is not tightly controlled, will cause problems. Most of the rural area in the City is developing at a 2-acre minimum lot size with an area in the Northwestern portion of the City at 5 acre lot size zoning. Less restrictive open burning in these areas could result in problems with smoke and grass fires. For example, in the Dickey subdivision, it is difficult to envision less restrictive open burning not causing problems. There are a few large estate areas where it may be possible to conduct open burning today without causing major problems. However, the number of these areas is limited and in the future they could be subdivided into smaller lots, such as the Fullerton subdivision. The City has very nice homes and is attractive for development because residents desire a pleasant environment in which to live. Comments that City staff have consistently received indicate that residents have a greater concern about maintaining a pleasant living environment versus allowing activities such as open burning that may adversely affect the quality of life in the City. The underlying issue appears to be a desire for economical and nearby sites for disposal of brush. The storm damage brush disposal site that was operated this summer together with the City Long Lake was well received by area residents. The cost for chipping of the large brush pile with a mobile tub grinder was fairly reasonable at $1,600. The severe storms most likely generated more brush than for a typical year. Residents would probably be willing to pay a reasonable fee for a nearby brush disposal site. Our recommendation is that the City of Orono work with the City of Long Lake to provide an annual brush disposal site.