The Plains town council meeting on Jan. 3 focused on the issue of burning within the city limits.

Mayor Greg Eitelberg and council members discussed emails from Rich Gebhardt, the lawyer for Plains. There was much discussion on if Plains’ liability was significantly higher if burn permits are issued and a fire causes damage to other structures or property. Council members and the mayor discussed if every burning permit would need to have someone from Plains visually inspect every location where the fire is to be burned, or if Plains could completely ban burning in the city limits.

Members of the council had more questions than answers and they are considering asking Gebhardt to clarify several issues and possibly attend the next council meeting. The issue of burn permits within the city limits of Plains was ultimately tabled until the next meeting of the town council.

EITELBERG AND the council thanked Plains Fire Chief Jason Williams for his many years of service and hard work to the community.

“You have done an outstanding job with the Plains Fire Department,” Eitelberg said.

Williams said that he would remain with the fire department and continue helping the community and train volunteers. Jason Young was unanimously voted by the town council to become the new chief of the Plains Fire Department.

“I would like to have several more firefighters who will complete the academy training and stay here in Plains,” he said.

There was discussion of building a new firehouse at property owned by Plains on Fourth Street. At this time the mayor is planning to look for grants and other resources to begin the process of funding the firehouse, which could go to the finance committee in the future.

The Plains Police Department has a new reserve deputy, Levi Hebert. Hebert has qualified with a firearm and will be allowed to carry one while on patrol. Chris Reyna has been with the department for one year now and will be the full-time deputy assisting Police Chief Shawn Emmett.

IN OTHER business, KJL Engineering is planning on visiting Plains to look over the wastewater lagoon. They are in the process of working up the Preliminary Engineering Report, which is slated to be finalized by the end of April. There is discussion with them that a town hall meeting may occur either this month or in February regarding proposed plans for the wastewater lagoon. If that meeting is to be held it will be announced on the reader board outside of City Hall.

The next meeting of the Plains Town Council will be held on Monday, Feb. 6, at City Hall, 101 Lynch St. in Plains.

For more information, call 406-826-3411.

Reporter Douglas Wilks can be reached at dwilks@vp-mi.com or 406-826-3402.