Burning was hot topic at Holton town meeting
Fitness group to meet at community building
Wanda English Burnett - Editor

At the regular meeting of the Holton Town Council held Tuesday, January 4, at the community building, a spirited conversation was held about burning in the town limits.

A resident, Greg Pickett, asked the council, "Everybody else can burn, but I can't?"

Bob Furst, president of the council told Pickett that no one could burn inside the town limits. "The town council has an ordinance against burning inside the town limits and that includes everyone."

"How come you burn at the lagoons?" Pickett directed the question to Furst. He told Pickett that the lagoons are not located in the town limits.

Ralph Pickett spoke on behalf of his son Greg, saying that he believed the ordinance read that a homeowner could burn when they cleaned up from natural disasters, such as the tornado that went through the area in August of 2004, as long as the fire was contained and watched. "I remember that from being on the town board," he noted. Pickett served several years as a council member, but resigned a few years ago. Furst replied that even if that was the case, Greg has violated the ordinance by leaving rubble smoulder overnight unattended.

Council members will get a copy of the ordinance and review it. They also discussed the possibility of revising the ordinance and having residents obtain a permit before burning. As of now, the no-burn ordinance is in effect and will be enforced.

Furst continued by saying the council had been lenient with Pickett over issues over the years, such as junk cars and open burning, but, the ordinance will be enforced the same for everyone.

Ronald Palmer, a new resident of town, attended the meeting with the same question about burning some brush on property he moved on to. The brush was from the tornado. He was advised as of now there would be no burning allowed. Palmer complimented the town on cleaning the streets after the recent snowfall.

Another resident, Wilbur Myers, requested permission to burn a brush pile he has from the tornado damage. He was told the same thing, no burning in town.

Greg Pickett also addressed the council concerning no parking signs in front of the town's police building. He had been asked to move a vehicle and a dispute erupted, which was rehashed at the meeting. Furst told Pickett the no parking signs in front of the city building and fire department would be enforced, saying "it's
not a thing against you (Greg)."

Becky Hon attended the morning meeting to request the use of the community center for a fitness group she heads up. The council agreed the group could use the building on Mondays and Wednesday from 6:30-7:30 p.m. unless someone wanted to rent the facility for a gathering. On Mondays, the group has a weigh-in session from 6-6:30 p.m. "I see it as a benefit for the community," Hon noted, saying the group was presently meeting at the firehouse, but was having space issues due to interest in the group. She noted that anyone can attend the sessions. For more information Hon can be reached at 689-4953.

In other business:

· Town employee Steve Troxell reported that some equipment needed repair, such as a pump, and controls on the plow. He thanked Billey Moore, town marshal, Rick Holman, council member, and resident Greg Pickett, for their help during the snow storm.

· Property that adjoins the community building is owned by Daniel Beach and was appraised at $25,000. The town has been talking about purchasing that property and had asked Beach for a quote. He said he would raze the house that stands on it now, and have the lot cleaned with an offer of $52,000.

· A motion carried that the council will check on prices to purchase a pickup truck for the town's use.

· It was noted that the new police vehicle has been lettered at a cost of $100.00. Another $100.00 was saved due to the marshal putting the letters on the vehicle himself.

· Furst reported that he has ordered four grand master keys for the community building.

· Furst was nominated president for the council for the year 2005.

Town Marshal Billey Moore gave his report: 7 verbal warnings, 3 written warnings, 4 citations issued, 1 investigation, 1 arrest, 1 warrant attempted to be served, 2 theft reports taken, 1 time he assisted other departments and 2 times he was assisted
by other departments.

Those in attendance included council members Wilma Myers, Rick Holman, President Robert Furst, Clerk-Treasurer Velma Stickelman, Marshal Billey Moore, town employee Steve Troxell, park employee Wilbur Myers, residents with requests or comments: Ronald Palmer, Ralph Pickett, Greg Pickett, and Becky Hon.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Holton Town Council is February 1, at 8:00 a.m. in the community building on Versailles Street.