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Councilmen talk leaves, again

By Wendy Ledbetter
Published Wednesday, February 27, 2008 in the Nevada County Picayune

Despite the fact that the Prescott City Council passed an ordinance banning the burning of leaves inside the city limits a year ago, the issue remains a topic of discussion at council meetings. The February meeting was no exception but council members learned that some residents are circulating a petition on the topic.

Local resident and member of the Nevada County Quorum Court Susie Key addressed the board on Feb. 18 with a request to reconsider the ordinance. Key said she was making the appeal on the behalf of several area residents and called the situation a problem.

I just would like for there to be some kind of happy medium, Key said.

The city council passed an ordinance banning the burning of leaves in February of 2007 after hearing from a local resident regarding health issues that are aggravated by the smoke from leaf fires. However, that ban applies only to leaves and does not include limbs or pine straw - a fact that Councilman James Roy Cornelius said doesnt totally make sense to me.

The ordinance calls for a fine for those who violate the ban, but in January Prescott Mayor Howard Taylor said only warnings were being issued.

Key suggested that the ban remain in place but one or two days a month be set aside for those who want to burn leaves.

That would defeat the ordinance, Taylor said.

When the burning ban was passed, Taylor said residents who piled leaves near the road could call the city for pickup. The city has equipment that sucks leaves into a truck. However, during the February meeting Taylor said the city hasnt been able to keep up with the demand. One of the problems is that the citys machine cant be used on wet leaves. Taylor said he has attempted to have an employee available for leaves at specific times but there are often conflicts.

I will admit we havent been able to pick up all the leaves, Taylor said.

Leaves picked up by the city are taken to Hines where they are ground into mulch. Individuals may also drop off leaves there. Key said shed been told by a city official that bagged leaves will not be picked up but Taylor said that isnt true.

While Key doesnt deny that there are health issues at stake, she said there are also people who have no way to haul leaves away. She suggested that one weekend each month or a couple of days each month be set aside for burning. She said that those with serious health issues could arrange to do something out of town those days.

Youre asking them to be just as inconvenienced as you are, said Councilman Jerry Wilson.

Wilson said he has had no complaints.

Councilman Robert Loe said he agrees that the current system isnt working out.

Im like you, he said to Key. Ive got a yard full of leaves.

Key asked the council if they would consider amending the ordinance if the council is presented with a petition. Loe said he believes the council would have to. Local resident and Nevada County Clerk Julie Oliver said a petition already exists with some 200 signatures.


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