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Maquoketa council flip-flops on burn ban

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By Sheri Melvold | Wednesday, July 18, 2007 12:01 AM CDT | () comments

MAQUOKETA, Iowa — Two council members are steamed at their council mates for switching gears and allowing limited opening burning in the city.

Five of the seven council members switched their position Monday night from the previous month to allow burning of paper once a week. The ordinance would still prevent burning of garbage and leaves, but allows recreational fires.

The original ordinance prohibited burning of papers, garbage and leaves, but allowed monitored recreational fires. The revised ordinance requires two more readings for passage.

Council members Marsha Myers and Galen Saunders urged council members to retain the ban.

“Part of our job is to make decisions. I urge you to keep the original decision. I am so against this,” Myers said. “A lot of people have breathing issues. Burning garbage and leaves does bother them.

Council members said they received some calls from residents who opposed the burning ban, including council member Jason Hute who had 10 calls.

“I had people say if the burning ban is approved, then firemen shouldn’t burn for training. I won’t vote for it the way it is,” Hute said.

Council member Matt Winegar changed his mind because he believes the ordinance is too restrictive.

Council member Neil Morehead, who also had 10-12 calls, proposed the ordinance be changed to allow burning of papers one day a week from 1 to 6 p.m. with the city manager and police chief to designate the day. Burning of garbage and leaves would still be prohibited.

City Manager Brian Wagner said the majority of people he heard from didn’t want to burn garbage, but wanted to burn private papers and records.

“Burning is not the only form,” Myers said. “Shredders will cross-cut personal papers, so you don’t have to burn.”

Ann Knight of Maquoketa said she was “vehemently against” the ban on burning. She pointed out the City of Clinton allows burning three days a week.

Chief Brad Koranda said the ordinance allows officers to issue tickets for violations, but by the time they are called, it will be difficult to determine what was burned.

The city desk can be contacted at (563) 383-2245 or newsroom@qctimes.com.