Maysville City Commission approved an ordinance in its first of two readings that would restrict burning to agricultural areas within the city limits.

The new ordinance would amend a previous ordinance that would allows open burning to only be allowed within agricultural zones 2,500 feet from residential and commercial areas. The ordinance requires a firefighter inspect each open burn location. Open burning can only be conducted in a turbo burn pit.

The ordinance states that if a complaint is received, the Fire Chief may order the open burn to be extinguished. If the fire department is required to extinguish the open burn, the department will charge the applicant for the cost of extinguishing the fire. The applicant has to be complaint with all state regulations.

City Commissioner Rick Litton addressed council about modifying the ordinance during a June Commission Meeting. Last month Litton said he received a lot of complaints about a fire behind Lykins Fuel Stop on Lexington Street, that caused quite a thick smog to enter the air.

"It even effected people downtown," said Litton.

Litton said Thursday he was concerned about people in the community who want to be able to enjoy being outside without smoke coming into their yards. He was also concerned with how fires with thick smoke could effect the elderly who have difficulty breathing.

"This is better than what we have had but I still don't like it very much," said Litton after the Commission voted all in favor of the ordinance.

Also during Thursday's meeting:

— A resolution was approved revising the planning area for waste water facility plant. A small section of the Washington sewer line needed to be placed on property owned by Charles Marshall, according to the resolution. The planning area for the waste water facility has been resized to include the section of Marshall's property that would include the new sewer line.

According to City Engineer Sam Baker Thursday night, this is the easiest and cheapest way to lay a pump station. The reason behind this is the need to get rid of the sewer pumping station located in Hillendale. The sewage will be instead redirected to the Washington Glenn pumping station. The old station will be removed a the hole will be filled in.

Baker said the city will not be servicing anyone else.

— A resolution was approved authorizing filing of loan application & appointing mayor & successors-in-title as official project representative of federally assisted wastewater revolving fund project. The City has proposed to provide upgraded sanitary sewer service for industrial, institutional, commercial, and residential growth in Maysville.

— A resolution was denied that would have rezoned 825 Kenton Station Road. On May 6, 2009 the Mason County Joint Planning Commission conducted a public hearing and made findings of fact, conclusions of law, and a recommendation to the Board of Commissioners that the three acres on 825 Kenton Road owned by Chamness Properties, LLC be rezoned from light industrial to general business. Chamness Properties has now requested that the zoning remain light industrial.

— A resolution was approved authorizing a revised drug & alcohol policy for Maysville Transit System to be in accordance with provisions, requirements and regulations of the Federal Transit Administration Drug and Alcohol rules.

— A resolution authorizing the Fleming Mason Airport to apply for a grant improvement program from the Federal Aviation Administration.

— A resolution authorizing a grant agreement with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for a SAFETEA-LU grant for the Maysville Transit System.

— An ordinance was approved in its first reading amending Code of Ordinances 93.02 to allow regular fire fighters on the Maysville Police Department to volunteer with the Washington-Maysville Volunteer Fire Department.

— An ordinance amending Code of Ordinances 134.02 was approved in its second reading to delete credit for first-year application fee from occupational tax.

— Mayor David Cartmell appointed Commissioners John Mains and Judy Pfeffer to the audit commission.

— The Newdigate Tavern located at the top of the hill on Skyline Drive is about to receive more repairs. According to Cartmell, the 1915 stone-log house was donated by the family of Justice Stanley Reed Jr. eight years ago. The home was one of the original developments of Edgemont.

Since the home was donated a private donation of $50,000 was given to the City for the homes development. Cartmell said $10,000 has been used to put a new roof on the home as well as a lot of stone work and pointing.

"It is a really wonderful house and we think it is going to be a great asset to the community," said Cartmell.

City officials are working with the Kentucky Heritage Council to make sure everything is done correctly assured Cartmell. Officials are looking into hiring a contractor to work on the house. Everything is being done at no cost to the City but through the donation money.

— Tammara Stricklett and residents of Edgemont Road approached Commissioners about speed calming along the 6/7 of a mile long neighborhood road. City officials will be changing speed limit signs and placing additional signage within the next few days and enforcing the speed. City Manager Ray Young said they would continue to examine traffic options.

— Rick VanMeter of Congressman Geoff Davis's Office attended the meeting and introduced himself as the new representative to the area. VanMeter will be replacing Bill Tom Cooper who retired last Friday.

VanMeter extended his thanks to the City for welcoming him. He said he hoped he would have the opportunity to help the City and community members.