ADAMS TWP — Township supervisors approved revisions to the burning ordinance amid heated discussion about certain phrasing Monday night.

Supervisors have been attempting to update the ordinance for several months. It hasn't been revised since 1989.

The township sought feedback from certain residents during the revision process, according to supervisor Chairman Russell Ford.

Some of those residents spoke Monday night, indicating they still have concerns.

“As far as I'm concerned, there's one major ... issue with the draft,” said Rob Crouthamel, a resident.

Crouthamel cited a section in the revision, which stipulates grating made of 1/2-inch mesh or smaller must be used for nonrecreational outside burning.

“Obviously, if you're burning paper, it tends to float in the air,” Crouthamel said. “(But) that's just not a reasonable construct for most open burning as it's done on rural properties.”

Specifically, he told supervisors grating is difficult to use for burning brush. Crouthamel asked the board to reinstate the original wording, which would limit the grating requirement to paper and paperlike material.

Ford asked Crouthamel to provide the board with copies of his comments.

“I've provided this feedback by email several times,” Crouthamel said.

Resident Tim Stack said he also has provided feedback to the board about the ordinance regarding grating requirements and time restrictions, but hasn't heard back.

“I got no response,” Stack said.

Stack says as a landowner, he sometimes must burn to control the spread of diseased plants and invasive species.

“I have to burn,” Stack said. “And I have to burn brush piles.”

The revised ordinance doesn't permit nonrecreational burning on Sundays or holidays. It also restricts it to 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Stack told supervisors it's actually safer to burn earlier than 9 a.m., when the grass is dewy.

“I'd like to hear the reason ... behind these rules,” Stack said.

“This board has been extremely transparent,” Ford said. “It just behooves me that no matter what we're going to say, there's going to be one step further taken that someone's not going to like.”

Stack asked Ford to explain what went into limiting the hours and days of nonrecreational burning. Without answering Stack's question, Ford said the ordinance will not be able to make every resident happy.

“We're not here to debate this,” Ford said. “We've revisited this burning ordinance until we can't ... anymore.”

“You talk about transparency,” Stack said. “I think we deserve an answer.”

Resident Mary Elizabeth Snow wanted to make sure the ordinance wouldn't interfere with teaching her 9-year-old son about fires.

The updated ordinance says recreational fires must be attended at all times by someone at least 16 years old. Nonrecreational fires must be minded by someone over age 18.

Ford said he didn't know why the age restriction was set at 18. Ford said in the end, violations of the ordinance will fall under the discretion of township police.

The supervisors approved the ordinance revision, along with modifying the grating section to fit Crouthamel's suggestions.