Item 4: Ordinance on West Eugene Wetlands Burn Ban Exemption

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proposed expansion of areas allowed to be burned, and any potential air quality impacts or community perceptions of potential problems from these prescribed burns, contrasted with past City efforts to curtail commercial grass seed field burning in the southern Willamette Valley. The City lobbied to exempt ecological burns from state regulations curtailing commercial grass seed field burning for the purposes of improving habitat and providing fire fighting training opportunities. Both of these goals are met in this ordinance. Other Background Information See attached memorandum dated April 29, 2011. Timing The appropriate season for conducting controlled burns for wetland vegetation management is late summer and early fall. Since the previously approved exception to the open burning ordinance expired on December 31, 2010, no controlled ecological burning can be conducted within city limits until this exception is approved. Therefore, staff recommends immediate action on the ordinance, so that it will become effective prior to the upcoming burning season. COUNCIL OPTIONS The council may: 1.Approve the proposed ordinance. 2.Modify the proposed ordinance. 3.Delay action until a later date. 4.Choose to take no further action on this item. CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION The City Manager recommends approval of the ordinance as proposed. SUGGESTED MOTION I move to adopt Council Bill 5049, a special ordinance granting an exception to the application of Eugene Code, 1971, Section 6.200, for prescribed wetland management burning. ATTACHMENTS A. Proposed ordinance B. Exhibit A: map of potential burn sites within current city limits and outside of city limits but within urban growth boundary C. Copy of Eugene Code 6.200 Outdoor Burning FOR MORE INFORMATION Staff Contact: Trevor Taylor Telephone: 541-682-4888 Staff E-Mail: trevor.h.taylor@ci.eugene.or.us \\cesrv500\CC Support\CMO\2011 Council Agendas\M110613\S1106134.doc