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Indianola council approves second reading of recreational-burning ordinance after health concerns
Summary
The council advanced an ordinance amending the local code on recreational burning to a third reading after the fire chief cited particulate-matter and volatile-organic-compound concerns and recommended enforcement measures and fines for repeat violations.
The Indianola City Council approved the second reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 160, Section 307 of the city code on recreational burning and scheduled the third reading for the next meeting.
Fire Chief Aaron Herr told council members that constituents had raised health concerns—particularly about particulate matter and volatile organic compounds generated when residents burn painted or treated lumber. Chief Herr said consistent enforcement has been difficult without a codified ordinance and recommended the proposed ordinance because it gives the Fire Department authority to issue citations and pursue follow-up enforcement in municipal court. He noted an initial fee schedule to provide enforcement 'teeth' and said the aim is to make recreational burning consistent across the city.
Councilmembers discussed the pace of the final reading; some members asked for more time to review materials raised by constituents, while others supported moving ahead with the second reading and postponing the third reading to allow additional review. The motion to approve the second reading passed with a recorded vote the council stated as 5–0; the third reading was scheduled for the council's next meeting.
Next steps: the ordinance will return for a third reading at the next council meeting, allowing further review and the potential for additional changes before adoption.
