Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Muncy Says No To Outdoor Furnace Ban

Muncy: No to ban on outdoor burners

By PATRICK DONLIN - pdonlin@sungazette.com

Sun Gazette
MUNCY — Choosing an open-minded approach to outdoor burning, Muncy Borough Council will consider restrictions on the burners after rejecting an outright ban.

Solicitor Carl Barlett will draft an ordinance outlining reasonable requirements on outdoor furnace use.

Based on environmental guidelines, use of such furnaces could be contingent upon a permitting procedure yet to be detailed.

Failure to comply will force legal deployment of significant penalties, according to Councilman Rodney Knier, who made the successful suggestion Tuesday.

Council favored Knier’s motion by a vote of 4-3, with Councilman Galen Betzer and Councilwomen Karen Richards and Linda Stein dissenting.

Suggested by Richards, a plan to ban outdoor furnace use was denied by council, with Council President Vivian Daily and Councilmen Michael Fornwalt, Dana Bertin and Knier opposed.