08-25-1997 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON AUGUST 25,1997 ( #17 - City Policy Regarding Burning Permits - Continued) • Jabbour acknowledged the need for an emergency program to deal with as an exception to the rule. He said the City should probably consider a site that would coincide with the clean -up days. Peterson said she is in favor of a change but is not sure what the change should be. She questioned whether it would be appropriate to have a distinction between rural and urban. Jabbour said he would like to see the distinction related to the distance between the property line and adjacent buildings. Kelley said, while he is in favor of reviewing the policy, he is not necessarily in favor of changes. He does not want the responsibility left to the building staff to deal with. Kelley said he would like to see a fire marshal hired as previously discussed, who would be better able to handle such situations. He would like to see the work contracted out and paid by an hourly rate for buildings, marinas, and burning. Jabbour noted that Staffs recommendation is to maintain the current policy. He indicated it would be necessary to let Staff know why Council feels otherwise to allow them to come back with another recommendation. Moorse indicated to Goetten that people are not charged for burning. Peterson voiced • concern with residents going ahead and burning while others make the request and are denied. Goetten said that is why she asked if there would be a charge for burning. She said she would not be against a possible charge. Moorse indicated that this could become a workload issue. Jabbour indicated that he does not see this issue becoming large as he feels there will be limited desire for such burning. Goetten agreed that there probably won't be slot of requests for burning but acknowledged there are emergency situations where burning is needed. Bob Gehrman suggested the inspector could inspect the wood to ensure it is dry for a quicker burn and cleaner burn. Goetten suggested monitoring how many more permits are requested. Flint said he world like to further investigate the matter noting its complexity. He indicated the time of year is very critical. He would like to see if there are rules that would make sense. Goetten agreed with Flint. Bob Gehrman asked the Council to review the potential of providing a refuse site for those than are unable to burn or prefer not to bum. Jabbour suggested this occur during clean up days and adding additional clean up days to the calendar. 22