Michigan DEQ confirms ban on buring building materials
A Rogers City businessman was denied a permit to burn demolition material on his property after he had asked the city to seek a variance in the state law banning such actions. City Manager John Bruning reported Monday at the council meeting that Rogers City had received a reply from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality regarding the request of John Vogelheim for permission to burn three piles of material on the waterfront property he is clearing for development. The DEQ noted that the burning of demolition materials is not authorized under the requirements of Public Act 451 and the Michigan Administrative Rules for Air Pollution Control. Vogelheim said he was aware of the state law but he wanted the city to make some calls to the state to seek a variance in order to burn the debris.
?This request is a must in order for the demolition on my property to be completed and for the condo project to move forward,? Vogelheim had stated in a letter to the city.
THE DEQ environmental engineer John Ozoga cited Section 11512 of Part 115, which states, ?A person shall dispose of solid waste at a disposal area licensed under this part unless a person is permitted by state law or rules promulgated by the department to dispose of the solid waste at the site of generation.? In addition, Mayor Beach Hall pointed out that the law specifically differentiates between brush and logs as opposed to lumber and construction materials.
In other business it was noted that a Class A water pumping truck with the ability to fight fires from above will be in town on August 10 for evaluation by firefighters and other city officials. Hall told the council he has been seeking a way to provide this capability to the fire department for some time, and Westshore Fire Equipment of Allendale has offered one to Rogers City for a demonstration.
THE UNIT is a refurbished 1993 Pierce truck with a 50-foot boom costing $103,000. Hall explained that new aerial pumpers can cost more than $500,000. Bruning said, ?If we can get a used unit for a reasonable price, it would enhance our capability to fight fires and protect property.? In related news, the council approved longevity service training pay for firefighters. The program is designed to be an appreciation gift of $50 for each year of service paid to any person serving more than 20 years in the fire department. The payment will be a one-time severance benefit paid upon leaving the department in good standing, according Bruning, in recognition of their service to the community.
There currently are seven individuals who would qualify for the payment out of 25 firefighters in the department.
BRUNING INFORMED the council that Sally Goupell of Posen will replace Pete Ardini as the executive director of the Hilltop Manor this fall. Ardini is retiring from the position. City Attorney Mike Vogler addressed the council as a private citizen in the capacity of president of the Little League to describe their plan to block off and seed grass on some vacant land adjacent to the ballpark. Little League parents and supporters will pay for the material
?This is a fine example of people taking a leadership role and not simply relying on the city to do everything,? said the mayor.
THE COUNCIL is looking into a request from the Chamber of Commerce to place a digital camera, or webcam, on top the pavilion in Lakeside Park and display the view on the city?s website. Council member Jim Sinclair cited information provided by the executive director of the chamber, Bill Hanchett, that a webcam can significantly improve the chances of repeat visits to the city?s website. The cost of the unit and connection is estimated at $400.
Sinclair also asked the council what the next step is in trying to provide a snowmobile route into town, noting that recent meetings had left the trail in doubt. ?The concept of a snowmobile trail is not dead, it?s just hibernating. We will take it up again in September,? said Hall. Council members Pat Lamb and Karl Heidemann were not present at the meeting. Council members and staff noted the recent passing of Heidemann?s mother and expressed their condolences to the family.