Slatington borough council members were split 3-3 in their decision to ban the use of commercial fire rings, fire pits and outdoor fireplaces, such as a chiminea, within the borough. This would also include propane fire pits. Commercial grills for cooking are the only use allowed.

Currently, the fire prevention ordinance allows people to use these items, but they must be kept 20 feet from any structure, such as a house, shed, fence, etc. They also must be kept 20 feet away from sidewalks, roads and alleys.

“You start doing the math and it eliminates most places,” said borough Manager Dan Stevens about the small residential lots in the borough.

Burning in open barrels, on open ground, or in a hole dug into the ground is also not allowed.

“There’s a lot of complaints from residents of the borough about the use of firewood in these various lawn products,” said council member Thomas Bartholomew. “The borough always had a no burn ordinance within the borough. That was the standard. At some point, prior to this council that was changed to allow these wood burning appliances and also supposed to be approved burn pits but because most of the properties within the borough disqualify for any kind of burning and others are abusing. The sense was that we should go back to a no burn ordinance within the borough.”

Council member David Schnaars said that the police could issue a citation to residents who are burning too close to a structure.

“It makes it easier to enforce if it’s a pure ban,” said council member Ronald Kratz.

If the motion had passed, then people would no longer be allowed to use these items anywhere in the borough. Council members Thomas Bartholomew, Ronald Kratz, and Joseph Wechsler voted in favor of the ban. Council members Kevin Steckel, Dave Schnaars and council President Bryon Reed voted against it. Council member Jason Russ was not at the meeting due to a work conflict.

According to the borough’s ordinances, the mayor has to break the tie, said borough solicitor Edmund Healy. Unfortunately, Mayor Walter Niedermeyer also was absent from the meeting for personal reasons.

If the mayor is not available, then a special meeting has to be held within five to 10 days to decide the matter, Healy said.

Before calling for a special meeting, the council decided to take another vote to see if they could come to a decision. Again, the council members voted the same as they had done before.

With the matter still in a tie vote, the council decided to call for a special meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday during the committee meetings for public safety and human/community services. The meeting will be at the council chambers in Slatington Borough Hall. It is open to the public, and public comment will be permitted.