City debates new ordinances

The first readings of two new ordinances for the City of Green River passed at the city council meeting Tuesday night.

The first was a new city ordinance for disorderly conduct. Both the Green River Police Department and the city prosecutor have felt that they lack the ability to enforce disturbances that are not covered under the code of violations. When the GRPD receives calls from business owners and other citizens concerning the removal of transients from a location, the police officers have no ability to remove them from a location, until the ordinance passes.

“We don’t want to haul people to jail,” Police Chief Chris Steffen said. “When those situations arise, we would like some ability to discourage them from loitering in places that are causing problems.”

Another first reading of an ordinance change that was passed Tuesday night was to amend the current ordinance pertaining to burning in the city.

The current ordinance bans any residential recreational burning within city limits.

The GRPD is aware of the uncountable number of residents who own small recreational fire pits at their residence, whether it be commercially made or homemade.

Under current city ordinances, those small recreational fire pits that many residence enjoy regularly are not allowed.

The desire to amend the ordinance to allow these small recreational fire pits is because it is felt that Green River residents can safely use and enjoy them.

“We have had no problem with fire pits in peoples yards,” Fire Chief Mike Kennedy said. “We have not had any problem with them at all, this would clarify things for all citizens.”

“To echo what chief Kennedy said, from our stand point, it’s a bit of an enforcement nightmare,” Steffen said. “Occasionally we have some complaints of smoke and that’s covered under the nuisance ordinance, but most people are good about it. People are responsible with it.”

Some council members did voice concerns over the ordinance change. Councilman Allan Wilson voiced concerns over details in the ordinance such as time constraints for fire pit usage and mandating the use of a net or cover over the fire pit.

What way to better regulate residential fire pits than to allow it with an ordinance with conditions. If there is an ordinance detailing what is and what is not allowed, it will be easier for the police officers to enforce it fairly to all residents. They can then deal with residence who do not comply to the ordinance accordingly.

“If they (residents) have problems, they can call us ... We’ll certainly enforce the ordinance,” Steffen said. “We just recognize that there are a lot of them in town.”

To conclude the discussion, Mayor Pete Rust called for the staff to come back with suggestions on safety issues for the second reading. Rust said they will debate the suggestions publicly on second reading.

“This is a growing thing and that’s why it’s coming up now,” Rust said. “It’s coming up because commercially, it is a growing situation ... and that’s why changes are made.”