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Council rejects tighter burning restrictions after 3–3 split; mayor breaks tie
Summary
An ordinance to restrict residential burning to the first and third weekends of each month failed after a 3–3 tie and Mayor Carl Bates cast the tie-breaking NO vote.
Council debated Ordinance No. 2026-03-02, which would have limited burning to the first and third weekend of each month. Aldermen discussed resident feedback; Alderman Amy Buss moved to approve the ordinance and Alderman Jody Wolber seconded, but the roll call ended 3 yeses and 3 nos. Mayor Carl Bates voted NO to break the tie, and the motion was denied.
Minutes record both support and opposition among aldermen and note that Alderman Paul Kaczmarski suggested keeping current restrictions and re-evaluating in three months. The defeat leaves the existing burning ordinance in place; council did not adopt a new restriction at this meeting.
