Pictured from left are Burket Town Councilwoman Lena Ball, President Bill Rayburn and Clerk-Treasurer Katina Webb. Photo by Jackie Gorski, Times-Union.

By Jackie Gorski
Times-Union

BURKET — Burket Town Council heard a resident’s concern about the town’s one-time burn permit.

Resident Marvin McClone saw the town posted they had the permit in the townwide newsletter and asked if it was part of the town’s ordinance.

Councilwoman Lena Ball said it was a new change.

McClone’s issue was with an unnamed resident who was piling items in town to possibly burn and possibly on railroad property. There were items in the pile that were not permitted to be burned. He brought up concerns, including those about safety, about if that resident ended up burning that pile as it is.

Council President Bill Rayburn said he has not given out a burn permit for the pile that was being discussed. He said if a resident wanted a permit, they would have to get a council member’s written consent to do it. If it was from Rayburn, he said he’d probably go watch the burn to make sure it was for what was requested.

Rayburn said if a burn permit is requested for the pile that was brought to the council’s attention Thursday, the pile would have to be broken up and only have in it what is in the ordinance, such as natural wood. If not, the permit wouldn’t be given. If that pile is burned without a permit, it will be in violation of the burn ordinance.

McClone asked for Rayburn to take a look at the pile so he could see what was in it for himself.

Rayburn said he is aware of the pile and will check it out during daylight hours. He said he will talk to the person and will do what he can.

McClone also brought up concerns the permit may possibly violate state ordinance. Rayburn said it didn’t violate any state laws as far as he knows.

In other business, the council heard:

• The paving work done by Phend & Brown on the town’s streets was done on budget, according to Rayburn.
• Learned the town’s budget has been submitted through Gateway to the state.
• Learned Ball hasn’t had any response from the railroad to fix the crossing on Walnut Street.

Street Superintendent Brad Bibler asked if he could help getting in touch with the railroad and Ball said she’d give him a number to call.

• Heard there was an issue with the town’s phone number. Rayburn said it will be looked into.