The ground is covered by snow but the big issue in Baxter is leaf burning

BAXTER - They pondered and residents responded.

After a report in Monday's Dispatch about how Baxter City Council members considered a possible burning ban at their council retreat Saturday, many residents contacted council members to voice their opinions.

Council member Todd Holman told council and city staff Tuesday that all of the many calls from residents he received were in favor of a burning ban. Holman told the council he was in full support of city staff developing such a proposal to bring to the council after the overwhelming response he received since Monday.

"To allow burning is creating a problem to a pretty good part of our population," said Holman.

Holman said one resident volunteered to sit on a committee to develop some sort of plan, such as an organized city curbside pick-up of leaves and brush. City administrator Gordon Heitke said city staffers are looking into a policy for the council.

In council action, council members rejected a recommendation by the utilities commission to allow some types of snow markers in the city right of way, an amendment to an existing ordinance. Some residents had complained about the city's right-of-way ordinance, which does not allow stakes or markers on the road right of way. City staff, enforcing the existing ordinance, sent letters requiring several residents to remove stakes last month.

JODIE TWEED may be reached at jodie.tweed@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5858.