What can divide a community more than loss of or intrusion upon personal freedom?
In the Falls the current issue is centered around who can or cannot burn combustible materials on their property. Each side in the controversy has a valid argument. One side says 'my health and pursuit of happiness is violated due to the smoke' , and the other says ' we enjoy the smell of burning leaves and barbecued meat'.
Each side has reasonable points, and one or the other will win.
As a former member of the Menomonee Falls Fire Department, I have in the past ,stood with the Fire Chief and supported new changes to the fire code. Twenty years ago, an updated sprinkler ordinance was a heavy topic. The high cost of installing sprinklers set off - and irritated a number of business people. Actually, it happened to be money saving for them - sprinkler installation costs were more than offset by savings on insurance premiums. Plus one's whole enterprise could be saved from total destruction. Worry wasted!
In this case of open burning, it seems to me that the proposed new laws are excessive. Moving small outdoor fires from 50 to 100 feet from a building will gain little if any safety for the structure. Existing laws are more than enough to provide that safety if existing rules are followed.
I believe that special considerations must be addressed for those who have medical problems, but that should be handled on an individual basis rather than restricting the rights of the whole community.
Let your village board members know your opinions. They will soon decide how these issues will be resolved. No matter your position, let your voice be heard.
