Superior Chronicle -- Planning Commission

IRONWOOD, MI - Thursday, September 04, 2008 - The regular monthly meeting of the Ironwood Planning Commission was held at 5:30 PM in the Community Development Conference Room on the second floor of the Ironwood Memorial Building yesterday evening. Members attending the meeting included: Margaret Rayner; Vice-Chairman Bob Schonberg; Sam Davey; Eric Lytwyniuk; Chairman John Wyssling; Jackie Powers; John Kasieta; City Commissioner Bob Burchell; and Debbie Bowles. Mark Fitting was excused. Jane Bowman, Planning Commission Secretary and Community Development Director Dan Petersen were also present. Representing the media at last night's meeting were: Lou Bonagura and Arvo Toolanen, IronwoodInfo.com; Ralph Ansami, Ironwood Daily Globe; and Steve Frank and myself, Superior Chronicle. There were several members of the general public at the meeting to discuss the proposed outdoor wood furnace ordinance.

Chairman John Wyssling introduced Donna Scorse to the Commission prior to the start of last night's meeting. Donna is the new Gogebic County Economy Development Director. Her office is located at the Gogebic Community College.

The first order of business for the Commission was to approve the minutes from the August 20, 2008 public hearing and rescheduled regular meeting. Jackie Powers questioned a motion that was approved at the August meeting. A motion was made at the meeting regarding a parcel of city-owned land that Jerry Pisani was interested in purchasing. The minutes implied that the motion referred to the entire parcel, but Pisani was only interested in purchasing four acres of the land. After a brief discussion, it was agreed that the minutes needed amending. They were approved, however, with the needed changes. (Item #8 of the minutes.)

OUTDOOR WOOD FURNACES

Patrick Moore addressed the Planning Commission, expressing concern about the Commission's plans regarding outdoor wood furnaces. He told the Commission he has such a furnace and he wanted to make sure that he was compliant with any proposed changes.

Dan Petersen presented a proposed ordinance that he drafted based on other ordinances the Commission had previously reviewed. Petersen explained to the Commission and those in attendance that the main issues of concern were nuisance and more importantly health, mainly problems with smoke inhalation. According to the draft the Petersen presented:

New outdoor wood furnaces would be permitted provided there was a 200 foot setback from the nearest lot line, and as long as the unit was located within 20 feet of the house the furnace serves. Petersen reasoned that this restriction would eliminate most of the heavily populated areas in the city, and would favor those homes on larger lots in outlying areas.
Existing outdoor wood furnaces would be permitted to remain provided a permit is applied for within one year. Existing furnaces would also be required to meet special requirements established by the City.

Petersen pointed out that the draft he provided doesn't allow for year-round usage of such devices, and he noted that several households heat their domestic water with outdoor wood furnaces. A member of the audience told the Commission that he used his furnace to heat his household water. He told the Commission that a constant fire was not necessary during the summer to heat City water. He noted that once it reaches 200 degrees, it keeps it temperature for quite a long time. He also told the Commission that he preferred to light his stove during the rain to reduce smoke that would bother his neighbors.

The Commission agreed that a year-round usage needed to be allowed, both for heating of domestic water and for occasional heating on cold, rainy days.

Jackie Powers suggested that two sections of the proposed draft could be joined as one. She pointed out that both of the sections deal with types of fuel allowed. In one section it says that only firewood and untreated lumber could be burned, and in another section it said only fuels recommended by the manufacturer of the furnace could be used. The Commission agreed that a combined section relating to fuels would be better.

The original draft stated that wood furnaces could only be used on lots 3 acres or more. Sam Davey argued that he couldn't even put one at his motel because his property was only 2 acres. Davey believed that the 3 acre limit was a bit too restrictive.

After much discussion on the issue, the Commission agreed that the setback restrictions would pretty much determine the lot size that could accommodate a wood furnace. Bob Schonberg argued that the proposed setback regulations were also too restrictive. Jackie Powers disagreed. She questioned the apparent 180 degree turn the Commission was taking. She pointed out that most of the Commission previously agreed that the smoke and the general public health were the central issues concerning wood furnaces. She reminded the Commission that a general ban was being strongly considered. She expressed concern that lax restrictions will only encourage more frequent use of the burners.

John Kasieta expressed concern about the general appearance of the furnaces and the storage of firewood of the premises.

The general consensus of the Commission is that wood burning furnaces need higher smoke stacks than those that are generally required by the manufacturer. They also agreed that a 35 foot setback requirement would still be restrictive, while allowing more people the opportunity to use outdoor wood furnaces.

The Commission agreed to allow Dan Petersen to make the recommended changes and present the finished draft to the City Commission for their approval.

NORRIE HOUSING GRANT

Dan Petersen told the Planning Commission that he is working on a Neighborhood Preservation Project (NPP) grant through MSHDA for homes in the Norrie area. He told the Commission that the City is not yet to the stage of taking applications. He said the issue needs to be brought before the City Commission for approval, and then applications could be taken once the grant can be applied for.

BLIGHT COMMITTEE

Petersen told the Commission that the Blight Committee has held several meetings and that it appears there is progress in handling the City's blight issues. He reminded the Commission that the next Blight Committee meeting will be held on September 15, 2008 at 5:30 PM in the Women's Club Room.

ZONING VIOLATION ON GARVEY

Petersen told the Commission that he has been addressing a problem with a trailer on Garvey Street that didn't meet the setbacks for the lot size. A notice was sent, and a second notice is scheduled to be sent regarding the issue. He said if there is no response to the notices, the matter will go before the City Commission.

TRAIL EASEMENTS

According to Petersen, Xcel Energy has been contacted regarding easements for a proposed trail in the "caves" area along Xcel Energy property. Petersen told the Commission he will keep them up-to-date on the progress of those negotiations.

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE

John Wyssling told the Commission that the presence of Donna Storse on the Gogebic County Economic Development Corporation will make the Comprehensive Plan move along more quickly and with greater ease. He said there is little that the Planning Commission can do at this point, as there is a delay in the process as it goes through the appropriate channels. He told the Commission he would let them know of any future progress.

CITY'S INSURANCE RHETORIC

During the "Citizens wishing to address the Commission" segment of the docket, Lou Bonagura spoke up regarding the City's insurance.

"I just want to clear something up, that I hear in this building way too often." Bonagura said, "And that's the B.S. about insurance! 'The insurance doesn't allow this... the insurance companies don't want that...' "

"It's so unknowledgable, what I hear, it just pisses me off, to be quite frank. I spent thirty-five years in the insurance business serving as vice-president of three companies. I would rather see somebody stack their wood outside their house, but not next to the house... away from the house, before I see them stack it in the house. That's what I would want, as an insurance professional." Bonagura said.

"The other thing is," Bonagura continued, "Mr. Moore's children are never going to die from a chimney fire; and they are never going to die from carbon monoxide poisoning. And if you are concerned about health, you'll think about those things too!"

NICK'S FAMILY RESTAURANT

According to John Wyssling, the owner of Nick's Family Restaurant is working to re-open soon. Wyssling said he spoke with the owner and he is doing all he can to get the business back up and running.

BROKEN WINDOWS AT HARDEE'S

Debbie Bowles asked John Wyssling if he was aware that windows were broken at the old Hardee's building. Wyssling said that he did notice, and that the owner of the property should be notified of the damage.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 6:30 PM.

[AUDIO]


IPC Gives Wood Furnaces A "Yellow" Light: Allowable With Restrictions
IRONWOOD, MI - Thursday, September 04, 2008 - The regular monthly meeting of the Ironwood Planning Commission was held at 5:30 PM in the Community Development Conference Room on the second floor of the Ironwood Memorial Building yesterday evening. Members attending the meeting included: Margaret Rayner; Vice-Chairman Bob Schonberg; Sam Davey; Eric Lytwyniuk; Chairman John Wyssling; Jackie Powers; John Kasieta; City Commissioner Bob Burchell; and Debbie Bowles. Mark Fitting was excused. Jane Bowman, Planning Commission Secretary and Community Development Director Dan Petersen were also present. Representing the media at last night's meeting were: Lou Bonagura and Arvo Toolanen, IronwoodInfo.com; Ralph Ansami, Ironwood Daily Globe; and Steve Frank and myself, Superior Chronicle. There were several members of the general public at the meeting to discuss the proposed outdoor wood furnace ordinance. Chairman John Wyssling introduced Donna Scorse to the Commission prior to the start of last night's meeting. Donna is the new Gogebic County Economy Development Director. Her office is located at the Gogebic Community College. The first order of business for the Commission was to approve the minutes from the August 20, 2008 public hearing and rescheduled regular meeting. Jackie Powers questioned a motion that was approved at the August meeting. A motion was made at the meeting regarding a parcel of city-owned land that Jerry Pisani was interested in purchasing. The minutes implied that the motion referred to the entire parcel, but Pisani was only interested in purchasing four acres of the land. After a brief discussion, it was agreed that the minutes needed amending. They were approved, however, with the needed changes. (Item #8 of the minutes.) OUTDOOR WOOD FURNACES Patrick Moore addressed the Planning Commission, expressing concern about the Commission's plans regarding outdoor wood furnaces. He told the Commission he has such a furnace and he wanted to make sure that he was compliant with any proposed changes. Dan Petersen presented a proposed ordinance that he drafted based on other ordinances the Commission had previously reviewed. Petersen explained to the Commission and those in attendance that the main issues of concern were nuisance and more importantly health, mainly problems with smoke inhalation. According to the draft the Petersen presented: New outdoor wood furnaces would be permitted provided there was a 200 foot setback from the nearest lot line, and as long as the unit was located within 20 feet of the house the furnace serves. Petersen reasoned that this restriction would eliminate most of the heavily populated areas in the city, and would favor those homes on larger lots in outlying areas. Existing outdoor wood furnaces would be permitted to remain provided a permit is applied for within one year. Existing furnaces would also be required to meet special requirements established by the City. Petersen pointed out that the draft he provided doesn't allow for year-round usage of such devices, and he noted that several households heat their domestic water with outdoor wood furnaces. A member of the audience told the Commission that he used his furnace to heat his household water. He told the Commission that a constant fire was not necessary during the summer to heat City water. He noted that once it reaches 200 degrees, it keeps it temperature for quite a long time. He also told the Commission that he preferred to light his stove during the rain to reduce smoke that would bother his neighbors. The Commission agreed that a year-round usage needed to be allowed, both for heating of domestic water and for occasional heating on cold, rainy days. Jackie Powers suggested that two sections of the proposed draft could be joined as one. She pointed out that both of the sections deal with types of fuel allowed. In one section it says that only firewood and untreated lumber could be burned, and in another section it said only fuels recommended by the manufacturer of the furnace could be used. The Commission agreed that a combined section relating to fuels would be better. The original draft stated that wood furnaces could only be used on lots 3 acres or more. Sam Davey argued that he couldn't even put one at his motel because his property was only 2 acres. Davey believed that the 3 acre limit was a bit too restrictive. After much discussion on the issue, the Commission agreed that the setback restrictions would pretty much determine the lot size that could accommodate a wood furnace. Bob Schonberg argued that the proposed setback regulations were also too restrictive. Jackie Powers disagreed. She questioned the apparent 180 degree turn the Commission was taking. She pointed out that most of the Commission previously agreed that the smoke and the general public health were the central issues concerning wood furnaces. She reminded the Commission that a general ban was being strongly considered. She expressed concern that lax restrictions will only encourage more frequent use of the burners. John Kasieta expressed concern about the general appearance of the furnaces and the storage of firewood of the premises. The general consensus of the Commission is that wood burning furnaces need higher smoke stacks than those that are generally required by the manufacturer. They also agreed that a 35 foot setback requirement would still be restrictive, while allowing more people the opportunity to use outdoor wood furnaces. The Commission agreed to allow Dan Petersen to make the recommended changes and present the finished draft to the City Commission for their approval. NORRIE HOUSING GRANT Dan Petersen told the Planning Commission that he is working on a Neighborhood Preservation Project (NPP) grant through MSHDA for homes in the Norrie area. He told the Commission that the City is not yet to the stage of taking applications. He said the issue needs to be brought before the City Commission for approval, and then applications could be taken once the grant can be applied for. BLIGHT COMMITTEE Petersen told the Commission that the Blight Committee has held several meetings and that it appears there is progress in handling the City's blight issues. He reminded the Commission that the next Blight Committee meeting will be held on September 15, 2008 at 5:30 PM in the Women's Club Room. ZONING VIOLATION ON GARVEY Petersen told the Commission that he has been addressing a problem with a trailer on Garvey Street that didn't meet the setbacks for the lot size. A notice was sent, and a second notice is scheduled to be sent regarding the issue. He said if there is no response to the notices, the matter will go before the City Commission. TRAIL EASEMENTS According to Petersen, Xcel Energy has been contacted regarding easements for a proposed trail in the "caves" area along Xcel Energy property. Petersen told the Commission he will keep them up-to-date on the progress of those negotiations. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE John Wyssling told the Commission that the presence of Donna Storse on the Gogebic County Economic Development Corporation will make the Comprehensive Plan move along more quickly and with greater ease. He said there is little that the Planning Commission can do at this point, as there is a delay in the process as it goes through the appropriate channels. He told the Commission he would let them know of any future progress. CITY'S INSURANCE RHETORIC During the "Citizens wishing to address the Commission" segment of the docket, Lou Bonagura spoke up regarding the City's insurance. "I just want to clear something up, that I hear in this building way too often." Bonagura said, "And that's the B.S. about insurance! 'The insurance doesn't allow this... the insurance companies don't want that...' " "It's so unknowledgable, what I hear, it just pisses me off, to be quite frank. I spent thirty-five years in the insurance business serving as vice-president of three companies. I would rather see somebody stack their wood outside their house, but not next to the house... away from the house, before I see them stack it in the house. That's what I would want, as an insurance professional." Bonagura said. "The other thing is," Bonagura continued, "Mr. Moore's children are never going to die from a chimney fire; and they are never going to die from carbon monoxide poisoning. And if you are concerned about health, you'll think about those things too!" NICK'S FAMILY RESTAURANT According to John Wyssling, the owner of Nick's Family Restaurant is working to re-open soon. Wyssling said he spoke with the owner and he is doing all he can to get the business back up and running. BROKEN WINDOWS AT HARDEE'S Debbie Bowles asked John Wyssling if he was aware that windows were broken at the old Hardee's building. Wyssling said that he did notice, and that the owner of the property should be notified of the damage. The meeting adjourned at approximately 6:30 PM. [AUDIO]

IPC Gives Wood Furnaces A "Yellow" Light: Allowable With Restrictions