Board grants month-long extension for removal of large debris pile pending winter/field conditions

The Village of Salem Lakes board granted an extension to resident Carol Dunn (2245/1480 Seventh Street) to remove a long-standing accumulation of limbs and woody debris placed along her north property line. The piles, placed over many years as a barrier, measure several feet high and hundreds of feet long and were the subject of neighbor complaints alleging pest issues. The village's property-maintenance code limits the length of time such accumulations may remain, and the resident requested additional time to arrange removal. Staff said the debris is located adjacent to crop fields; because the field must be accessible and the ground suitable to move the material, staff recommended allowing time for field access and for coordination with the fire department on a safe burn. The fire chief said burning could be done if the department is notified in advance, inspects the site and wind conditions are appropriate. The board approved an extension through April 1, 2026 (motion and second recorded in the minutes) to permit the resident additional time to remove the debris by arranging equipment or an organized burn consistent with the fire chief's requirements. Trustees noted the extension is being granted for this individual case because of the logistical challenges and the resident's limited financial resources; they cautioned that future requests will be considered on their own facts. Staff will monitor progress and require the resident to coordinate with the fire department before any burn. If the debris is not removed by the extension date, staff may pursue enforcement remedies under the village's property maintenance code.