Chandler City Council passes burning ordinance
by Kelly Griffith

At last week's Chandler City Council meeting citizens shared their thoughts, both good and bad, on the outdoor burning ordinance before the council made their decision.

"Speaking as someone who has seen fire go out of control," Fire Chief Robert York said, "I have looked over the ordinance, and I believe it's a good thing."

The need to regulate outdoor burning came up as the city had been receiving complaints about people burning in subdivisions. The debris clogged culverts, burning trash caused bad smells and the burning of poison oak and poison ivy caused allergic reactions, citizens said.

The ordinance states that you must have a permit, which are free but require a phone call to the city so that the fire department may then be notified.

There must be 300 feet be- tween the burn pile and a street, residence or business.

Trash collectors will pick up limbs and sticks of a reasonable size. All limbs must be bundled.

Two citizens in attendance shared their problems with the council.

"I appreciate what the fire chief had to say, I am extremely careful when I burn," Troy Edwards said, "But to pass this ordinance would make it impossible to care for my property."

Edwards explained that on his land sits well over 200 trees, he spends an average of three days a week picking up enough limbs to fill three trailer loads.

"I think it's unreasonable," Delbert Lunsford said. "I think there needs to be some consideration. "

Lunsford shares the same predicament as Edwards. "Don't try to force fit a solution to the entire city," Lunsford said.

The council agreed that something must be done, because the outdoor burning in close neighborhoods had become a health issue but also took into consideration the point brought up by Edwards and Lunsford.

The ordinance was then accepted with a 300 foot discretion and a permit with everyone in agreement.

Also at the meeting Ann Hall was appointed Mayor Pro Tem for a one year term.

A presentation by LPB Energy was conducted, informing the council and public present of the benefits of using their company as a middle man between the city's choice of energy providers.

"We can bring value to our clients because we make energy companies compete," LPB representative Edward Adair said.

City Administrator Jim Moffeit was then authorized to contract purchasing electricity for the city.

"I've looked at this company and I trust their judgement," Moffeit said.

Council members also approved an ordinance making it necessary for all pools to be enclosed by a fence. The problem came up as there are many new pools, such as large blowup pools, being put up with nothing to protect younger children from finding their way in.

"I think we have an obligation to try to keep these children safe," council member Gene Giger said. "New pools will have to meet state regulations, existing houses must meet fencing requirements."

"I think if one child was harmed we'd all resent not passing the ordinance." Hall said.