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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO CITY COUNCIL <br />MEETING HELD ON OCTOBER 27,1997 <br />(#14 - Burning Permits - Continued) <br />r-1 <br />LJ <br />Bob Gehrman said his neighborhood would like the issue of brush disposal and burning <br />better addressed. Gehrman said his intent is to work within the system first. Gehrman <br />said the City and its residents should be in partnership on the issue. Gehrman feels there <br />are different needs for different lot sizes. If the City does not provide adequate disposal <br />sites, Gehrman said more burning should be allowed. Gehrman said he has a concern <br />with smoke and wild fires, but these concerns can be issued with adequate inspection <br />and understanding liability. Gehrman noted that more than a little brush is required to <br />enable a fire to get started and burn hot. <br />Jabbour asked for special provisions and administrative judgment for larger fires with <br />inspection and increased fees. He is concerned that burning occurs without obtaining <br />permits. Jabbour said people should have the prerogative of having larger fires and have <br />a disposal site available. <br />Gappa said the yearly permit makes it easier to have fires and suggested opening up the <br />burning with use of brush for larger log fires. <br />Gehrman reported the City of Medina has a disposal site available all year long and <br />suggested a cooperative effort. Jabbour said the City would review options in an <br />economical manner. <br />Flint said he has several brush piles on his property, and it would be impossible to <br />remove all of it due to its location. He would support 8' fires including brush. It was <br />noted that removal of brush in wooded areas cause damage to smaller trees too. <br />Jabbour said he would support an expanded ordinance. <br />Kelley said he is concerned with fires on smaller properties and feels the Council needs <br />to include lot size in their review of the burning policy. He said brush piles would <br />increase the size of fires. <br />Moorse reported that cities have burned brush themselves but will have a fire truck <br />standing by if control is necessary. He suggested the fire department provide <br />information on the issue. Moorse noted the State fire code requires a certain distance <br />from a building for any fire. Moorse thought regulation of fire size for a particular lot <br />should be considered as well as what is located on the lot. A provision could be <br />included allowed a different size of fire through the inspection process. Gappa said an 8' <br />fire should be adequate. <br />Kelley asked if an applicant is responsible for notify his neighbors of a fire. Jabbour <br />agreed with notification of neighbors a certain distance away. <br />0 <br />18 <br />