E. Dundee tables burning issue, for now

The proposed changes to the open burning ordinance in East Dundee continue to smolder after trustees voted Monday to table amending the measure until a few minor problems are extinguished.

Trustees on Monday were slated to amend the village's law regarding burning leaves.

The proposed changes would allow leaf burning from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the second and fourth Saturday and Sunday during the months of October, November and April.

Residents now are permitted to burn leaves and other yard waste from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on any day in October and November.

The proposed changes are intended to satisfy residents who say leaf burning is a health issue for those with chronic respiratory ailments, and others who say burning leaves and other yard waste is the only viable option for removal.

But the board voted unanimously to hold off on making changes on the advice of village staff members who said the proposed amendment needed further clarification.

At issue, the staffers said, was the definition of a recreational fire and what constitutes a health hazard.

"A recreational fire looks like a bonfire, and you need a permit for a bonfire," said Village President Dan O'Leary. "We just wanted to clear that up."

In addition, O'Leary said the law allows too many variables in determining if a fire presents a health hazard.

"The village administrator, police chief or a law enforcement officer can ask someone to put a fire out if it is seen as a health hazard," O'Leary said. "There needs to be some discretion, but there is still too much."

The village board is expected to revisit the leaf burning ordinance at its next board meeting.