(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council advanced a proposed amendment to the municipal code Monday night that would prohibit most fires within the city limits.
If passed, the amendment would ban the burning of all trash, leaves and wood within the city limits.
Burning of fire wood in a metal fire pit or outdoor fireplace would be allowed, but would need to be tended to at all times.
Trash burning proposals have been proposed several times previously. In November, 2012, Falls City voters, voted down a proposal to ban any open burning except when the Fire Chief issued a permit.
Fourth Ward City Councilman Derek Leyden introduced the proposal this time. Leyden said more than just trash and paper are being burned in barrels now, which keeps people from opening their windows in the spring and fall due to the stench. He said “with two trash services in town, that aren't expensive, and with a free tree dump that burns brush and leaves, it's time to change the way we do things.”
Leyden said he does not feel the current ordinance which states trash is to be burned at least 25-feet from a building is being followed. He said the amendment would put some teeth in the ordinance, helping the Police Department be able to enforce the law.
Second Ward Councilman Charlie Bentley cast the only vote against the proposal. Bentley said he believes people ought to be able to do what they want to do on their own property.
City Attorney Mike Dunn said since the public voted down a referendum to ban open burning, it would take at least 75 percent of the Council voting in favor of the amendment to move forward.
The Council approved the amendment 7-1. The proposal must be passed by the Council two more times before going into effect.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Holton man killed in Jackson Co crash
Morrill pair arrested on drug, child endangerment charges
Cold case investigation leads to Holton warrant
Horton City Clerk's resignation accepted Monday
Effingham owner regains truck following theft, arrest
Falls City man sentenced to Federal Prison
Ground Broken for new Sac and Fox Trad'n Post
Local residents avoid injury in chain reaction crash
Jackson Co traffic stop leads to arrest
One held for past Atchison shooting
90 mph+ downburst winds blamed for Thursday damage
Wamego man sentenced in second fentanyl-related death
Mayetta pair arrested on meth, child endangerment charges
Stolen trailer, 4-wheeler, recovered in Atchison
Early Thursday storms leave damage, outages, locally
Juveniles face charges following Atchison break-in
Atchison Co's Oswald named honorary bailiff for KS Court
LATEST STORIES
Atchison company earns energy grant; upgrades planned
Winchester native named as Amberwell CEO
April is Alcohol Awareness Month in Nebraska
MoDOT to discuss Holt County bridge projects
Sheriff's Office to take part in drug take back event
Council hears report from golf course
Commission approves agreement for budget help
Pawnee City School Board approves personnel changes
Hazard mitigation planning meeting set for Atchison County MO
RELATED STORIES
City and County to discuss combined dispatch center
Waterfall project approved by Falls City Council
Falls City Council denies truck parking request
Falls City Council organizes for 2020
Falls City making progress on nuisance properties
Neighbors bring complaints to City Council
Falls City Council updated on park projects
Falls City utility rate increases gain first round approval