Florence city council alters burning ordinance
Based on an opinion by city attorney Bob Brookens, the Florence city council reviewed the ban on burn permits at the Oct. 7 meeting.
Mayor Jeanie Meirowsky told the council that when the city attorney reviewed the ordinance the council had passed, he felt the ordinance was more restrictive than necessary and would create unanticipated problems for the council.
"It's my understanding that the ordinance restricted even the outdoor grills that the Legion uses for its feeds," said Meirowsky. "Brookens also felt that it restricted situations such as an agricultural clean-up that might be within the city limits, or a controlled burn by the fire department or the city."
The council agreed that those special circumstances were never intended to be targeted by the ordinance. The council agreed to study the new ordinance proposed by the city attorney and voice their support or opposition to the city clerk before the end of the week so that the new ordinance could be published as soon as possible.
"This gives the city leeway to make exceptions," said Meirowsky.
The fire chief or assistant chief will approve the proposed burn and make a recommendation to the city council which will have the final say in whether or not the burn may take place. Brookens also recommended that the council do away with warning citizens after a first offense.
The new ordinance, if adopted, will not include the initial warning. Anyone caught burning illegally will be fined in city court after the first offense. The fine can run as high as $500.
In other business the council met with Patty Williams to discuss issues concerning the ambulance department. Williams expressed some concern that last month's closing of Florence Health Care would affect the ambulance department's ability to generate revenue.
"Service to Florence Health Care accounted for about 20% of our budget," she said. "We will feel the pinch eventually. It isn't a huge chunk, but it will certainly make a difference."
Williams covered some of the concerns that the ambulance department will have to address in the future. "The building is 30 years old and it is going to need some attention before long," she noted.
After discussion with the council, Williams agreed to table any major expenditures until after the first of the year to give the department a better feel for what kind of budget adjustments it may need to make.
Williams also informed the council that flu shots would be given Oct. 29 at the ambulance building. She said that the ambulance crew members would all be vaccinated and urged residents to sign up for the shots as well.
In other business, the council
— approved the purchase of two new desks for the city clerk and city treasurer at a cost of $1,100.
— heard a report from police chief Creighton Smith about a drug bust in Florence. Smith told the council that the Marion County Sheriff's Department had approved that about one-half of the $5,500 taken in the raid be given back to the Florence Police Department. The funds will be used locally for drug programs and will not be a part of Smith's regular budget.
— denied a request for $9,600 from Burlington-Northern Railroad to repair the crossing at the south end of Main Street. Because of financial difficulties, the railroad was requesting assistance from the city to do regular maintenance at the crossing.
— approved funds to purchase a new microphone for the radio used by city superintendent Stuart Funk and to overhaul and repair two other city radios.
— approved additional training for part-time police officers McCarty and Hoffman and police chief Smith.
— agreed to take down the American flags on Main Street after Veteran's Day to protect them from winter weather.
