City Council Minutes
March 29, 2004 - 7:30pm
Present:
Mayor John C.M. Davis, Mayor Pro-Tem Susan J. Osika, Councilpersons
Justin R. Horvath, Mark D. Owen, Linda L. Robertson and Charles J.
Sumrack.
Absent:
Councilperson Joane E. Ford.
Mayor Davis read the rules for addressing the City Council.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
Ann Mabry commented in support of burning and the option of a spring
pickup.
Shelva Cebulski commented in support of a burning ban.
Burton Fox commented regarding the ballot question and the need for
information prior to voting.
John Church commented regarding the need for options if burning is
banned.
Eugenia Martin (per telephone call to City Clerk) commented regarding
opposition to total burning ban.
Councilperson Owen would like to discuss the future of the Parks and
Recreation Commission at next council meeting. It will be placed
on April 5th meeting agenda.
ITEM OF DISCUSSION
Discussion regarding amendments to the burning ordinance and other
topics related to open burning
City Manager Guetschow introduced the topic of discussion. He
commented that the purpose of this meeting is to draft an ordinance to
regulate burning if a burning ban is not instituted as a result of the
August ballot question. There was Council discussion regarding a total
burning ban; options to burning; costs for a city wide pickup program
for brush; leaf pickup with reduced fall burning; leaf/brush drop off
center; providing a mobile shredding service once a month; and what
citizens should do with their debris if they can’t get to drop off
center.
Stanley Jelinek, Director of Public Services, commented regarding his
experience in leaf and storm debris cleanup and costs for instituting a
cleanup program.
There was further Council discussion regarding concerns about burning
papers with personal information; burning brush; bonfires; size and time
restrictions for recreational fires and related noise and drinking;
outsourcing services; three days versus two days allowed for burning;
violations, fines and enforcement; yard waste; state requirement for
burn barrels; what types of waste could be burned; obnoxious odors;
additional Saturdays open for the drop off center; and better
information available to the citizens regarding burning options and
restrictions.
Chief Compeau commented regarding difficulties of enforcement. Fire
Chief John Kenney distributed a flyer regarding recreational burning
from the Uniform Fire Code.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:04pm.
John C.M. Davis, Mayor
Gail L. Schultz, City Clerk
Note: Complete printed copies of the minutes and
any ordinances contained therein are available to the public at the
Office of the City Clerk and the Shiawassee District Library-Owosso
Branch during regular business hours.
|
