Woodburners in the village limits

Potential action on an ordinance regarding wood-burning furnaces in the village limits could be taken by White Pigeon municipal officials next month.

The issue was discussed at length during Wednesday’s village council meeting, where President Dan Czajkowski said he is eager to see the matter put to rest, no matter what direction the seven-member panel takes.

He said the council will have one of three choices when it votes next month: keep the current ordinance, approve a revised ordinance or ban the outdoor furnaces altogether.

The issue was raised earlier this year, when council member Shireen Cline cited concerns about health risks associated with the wood-fueled burners.

The village’s current ordinance requires the furnaces be 50 feet from any home or business not being heated by the unit. In addition, the smokestack height requirement is 75 percent of the eaves-trough height of the highest building plus two feet.

An ordinance proposed by the village’s attorney allows furnaces to be on property no less than five acres and 300 feet from any other dwelling.

White Pigeon’s next village council meeting is at 7 p.m. May 21.