WINONA – The board of aldermen are currently mulling proposed changes to the city’s burn ordinance.
According to City Attorney Ray Baum, proposed amendments to the ordinance include increasing the penalties on a first offense to a $500 fine and up to five days in jail and $1,000 and up to 30 days in jail for a second offense.
In addition, proposed amendments exempts some agricultural burning as long the setbacks of the roadway and neighboring properties are observed.
“It also defines more clearly what yard waste is,” Baum said. “No treetops or branches larger than three inches in diameter.”
Baum clarified that the yard waste clarification applies to residential and commercial endeavors.
Alderman Travis Johnson asked if residents are going to be required to haul off vegetation larger than ‘yard waste’ themselves.
“Where are they going to haul it to?” Johnson asked.
The city does not have an approved rubbish put at this time, although the board has tried to create one for many years with no success due the lack of a suitable location.
Mayor Jerry Flowers added, “It also says that if the fire chief comes out and tells you to put it out, put it out.”
Flowers asked the board to read over the proposed amendments and be prepared to discuss it at the February 19 meeting.
In other city business:
• The board gave its go-ahead for Winona Fire Chief Brad Mooneyham to sign an agreement with the Federal Emergency Management Association for flood plain mitigation. Mooneyham said the city uses Montgomery County’s flood plain mitigation plan.
• Recreational youth soccer signups are currently underway. Tomorrow, signups will be taken from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Winona Recreational Park and next Friday, February 15 from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Winona City Hall.
• Baseball and softball signups will be held February 19, 21, and 26 from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Winona Recreational Park and on March 1 from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Winona City Hall.
• The board hired Hayden Self as a part-time employee at the Winona Recreational Park.
• Winona Street Superintendent Tony Palmertree was welcomed back to work by the board after an extended leave due to health. Palmertree said he is currently working half-days until he is up to his regular schedule.
• Animal Control Officer Arlin Pearson informed the board that he has relocated two geese and 10 ducks in an effort to remove all waterfowl from the pond located at Shirley Avenue and Turner Street.
• Pearson reminded the community to spay and neuter pets.
• The board gave the go-ahead to Senator Lydia Chassaniol (R-Winona) on pursuing grant money to fund the construction a decorative clock tower in downtown Winona. The board has already passed a resolution in favor of the project, however, they will not make a final decision on the clock project until funding is acquired.
• The board will interview candidates for the vacant Winona City Court Clerk position this evening at 5 p.m.
