Waverly council approves amendment to fire-prevention code, asks chief for burn-ban criteria

Waverly

The Waverly City Council advanced changes to its fire-prevention code on second reading, approving an amendment and voting 4-0 to move the ordinance forward.

Council members debated language in Ordinance 2411, which would amend Chapter 91 of the Waverly Municipal Code on fire prevention. Debate centered on Section 91.06 A(4), a sentence that would have prohibited flames from extending above certain pits and chimneys. A council member moved to strike that sentence; the amendment carried 4-0 and the second reading of the ordinance passed by the same margin.

The council also pressed for clearer, written criteria from the fire chief on when the city would declare a local burn ban. "We don't take burn bands lightly," said Robin Hman, emergency services coordinator for the city of Waverly. "We see what surrounding departments are doing. We look at the fuel conditions, the humidity, winds — all those variables are taken into account."

Council discussion emphasized using warnings and public education as the first step in enforcement, with formal penalties reserved for repeat or safety-related violations. One council member said warnings and education would likely be more effective than immediate tickets in many cases.

Members asked staff to ensure the fire chief's parameters for burn bans are documented and to use the city website, social media and three physical posting locations (city office, post office and grocery store) to share burn-ban notices so the policy does not feel arbitrary to residents.

The ordinance will return for a final reading before becoming law; council members approved the second reading and the A(4) amendment 4-0.

The council did not set a final effective date during the meeting; the third reading is the next scheduled step.