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Drought brings back the burn ban
By BRIDGET HALL GRUMET © St. Petersburg Times, published May 9, 2001 INVERNESS -- In the face of worsening drought conditions that make severe wildfires more likely, the County Commission decided Tuesday to reinstate the residential burn ban that it had lifted just two months ago. The ban prohibits residents from burning yard debris or creating campfires, although outdoor barbecuing is still allowed if residents use grills that contain the fire. Those who violate the ban can face up to $500 in fines and up to 60 days in jail. "The burn index we utilize indicates that this action is warranted," County Administrator Richard Wesch said. The county has climbed from 283 to 511 on the state's drought index since March 27, when the county lifted its last burn ban. The reading is based on the amount of moisture in the top 8 inches of soil, on a scale of 0-800 in which 800 is desertlike. In other commission news: Saunders appointed. The board voted 4-1 to confirm Ken Saunders in his new post as assistant county administrator, where he will help County Administrator Richard Wesch turn the commission's directives into action. Commissioner Vicki Phillips cast the only vote against Saunders' appointment, saying the former public works director's background in engineering does not qualify as business or public administrative experience, which the county required of applicants for the job. Courthouse bid approved. Commissioners approved a $7.9-million contract with Sarasota-based Dooley & Mack Constructors to renovate the existing 57,000 square feet at the new courthouse and build a 40,000-square-foot addition. County Architect Tom Williford has said he hopes construction can start May 18. Historic Hernando School funding approved. At Phillips' urging, the board agreed to give $21,450 from its contingency fund to complete the new roof for the historic Hernando School. Phillips said the Hernando Heritage Council has "accomplished a tremendous amount in a very short period of time" and deserves the county's assistance in restoring the building. Cleaning up the county. The board endorsed the concept of creating Keep Citrus Beautiful, a local chapter of Keep America Beautiful, to fight the litter problem. Commissioners also voted to design a dozen "No Littering" signs in eye-catching colors to be posted throughout the county, reminding litterers that they could face a $500 fine. Tsala Gardens agreement approved. Commissioners signed off on an interlocal agreement with the city of Inverness to extend central water to Tsala Gardens, a community just past the city limits with poor water quality and drying wells. The city will pay to design the system, while the county will create the assessment program to pay for construction. State grant for Pro-Line accepted. Commissioners accepted a $750,000 state grant that will pay for running water and sewer lines out to the Holder industrial park where Pro-Line Boats plans to build its new factory. That infrastructure, along with an access road that will be built using a $700,000 state grant awarded last November, will allow Pro-Line and other manufacturers to set up shop at the Holder site, officials said.
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