Grand Island discusses banning open burning
by
Dara Newson
Story Created:
Feb 1, 2012 at 12:52 PM CDT
Story Updated:
Feb 1, 2012 at 12:52 PM CDT
There would be no final decisions at Tuesday night's Grand Island City council meeting. But there was plenty of discussion on a number of different issues dealing with the city.
One of the main topics on the agenda was problems with open burning.
It has a long history in Grand Island. Open burning has been allowed since the 90's. It was once banned in 1994, then council voted to replace a repeal of the burn ban. Now, it's happening all over again but the question is why change now?
Residents can now dispose of yard waste, free of charge at the Transfer Station.
But Interim Fire Chief Tim Hiemer says the city desires to create a cleaner environment where people can enjoy clean air. But the reason for change is also partly due to residents abusing the open burning policy.
Hiemer says people have been putting fire to items that shouldn't be burned like couches or treated lumber giving off toxic fumes.
"If we keep it we still have the problem with smoke infiltrating people's houses, people with lung problems. If we eliminate it, we eliminate all those problems and makes the place a nicer city to live in," said Hiemer.
Those who weren't in favor mostly consisted of elderly patrons who say getting back and forth to the designated yard waste drop off site would be impossible.
Also at the session, the city evaluated the progress of the Heartland Events Center and the Nebraska State Fair building. Thus far cash flow has been very successful and they are already making financial preparations to continue operations beyond 2024.
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