One issue that has come before the City Council in Falls City more than any other the past decade is quite likely various proposals to ban the burning of trash.  
The ordinance has been amended a number of times but to this point,  a total ban has not been passed by any of the council’s that have acted on the issue.  This issue is now headed for a vote of the residents of Falls City in the November General election.  
Monday night a resolution was introduced to the Council that would amend the code to make in unlawful to have any open burning within the city of Falls City unless allowed by permit issued by the Fire Chief.
As you might expect, the proposal provided a lively debate, started off by Councilman Ryan Rieschick.  ( play audio :09 seconds ) 
Councilman Hal Sutter who has long been trying to implement a burning ban disagreed.  ( play audio  :23 seconds ) 
The survey of which Sutter spoke went out to approximately 2,400 utility customers but only a little over 700 were returned and the yes or no question was pretty much split down the middle.
It was asked what would keep it from coming up again if the proposal failed.  Councilman Kirby Roubidoux said the constant debate is the problem.  ( play audio  :06 seconds ) 
Councilman Mike Moore said he feels people are hesitant to voice their opinion in a public setting.  ( play audio  :21 seconds ) 
The next question to spawn further debate was the language in the proposal that said it would be unlawful to have any open burning.  City Administrator Gary Jorn read the proposed resolution.  ( play audio  :21 seconds ) 
City Attorney Doug Merz said he was directed to prepare the resolution to ban all burning.  He said if passed as written, it would ban all outside burning.   Councilman Sutter said it was not the intent to ban things such as fire rings,  barbecue pits and such and offered an amendment that was adopted.  ( play audio  :07 seconds ) 
On a 5-2 vote the resolution was passed.  Council members Rieschick and Jim Wisdom cast nay votes.  Councilman Steve Scholl was absent.