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Public Safety committee backs a two-year open-burning registration pilot, directs city attorney to draft ordinance
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Summary
Fire Chief Wallace proposed a no-fee, two-year registration program for backyard burning to gather data, educate residents, and inform future ordinance work; the committee directed the city attorney to draft a pilot-registration ordinance with a two-year sunset and voted in favor.
The Public Safety Committee voted to direct the city attorney to draft an ordinance establishing a no-fee, two-year open-burning registration pilot that would collect data and provide education before any permanent ordinance is considered.
Chief Wallace said current state (DEQ) rules and city ordinances already prohibit reckless burning and the burning of garbage, but noted the city lacks systematic data on how often, where and what materials residents burn. Under the proposed pilot, residents would register a burn location and time, receive education and guidance from fire department staff, and supply basic information about pile size and proximity to structures. The program would be strictly educational early on, with citations considered only for repeated noncompliance.
Why it matters: Chief Wallace and committee members emphasized education over punishment and said the pilot would help the city determine whether a formal ordinance is necessary. The chief also noted the department has applied for grants to support staffing and community risk-reduction activities that would help implement the program.
Motion and outcome: The committee moved to direct the city attorney to work with staff to develop the pilot ordinance (including a possible emergency clause for a June implementation) and approved the direction by voice vote.
Related updates: Chief Wallace also provided a staffing and equipment update: the city received a new ambulance on April 16 and expects it to enter service in June after equipment and licensing; the department extended conditional job offers to several part-time EMTs and is hiring two full-time firefighter–paramedics; and the department applied for multiple grants to support equipment and seasonal staffing.
