Comments on: Burns looks to curb pollution levels http://burnstimesherald.info/2008/11/26/burns-looks-to-curb-pollution-levels/ Covering Harney County Like The Sagebrush Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:09:40 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: mike http://burnstimesherald.info/2008/11/26/burns-looks-to-curb-pollution-levels/#comment-3823 mike Mon, 08 Dec 2008 19:09:03 +0000 http://burnstimesherald.info/2008/11/26/burns-looks-to-curb-pollution-levels/#comment-3823 Not only is this guy ripping the city off, and driving a wedge between the city of hines and the county the city of burns just let him take a training trip to BOSTON... for a week! Not only is this guy ripping the city off, and driving a wedge between the city of hines and the county the city of burns just let him take a training trip to BOSTON… for a week!

]]> By: Debbie http://burnstimesherald.info/2008/11/26/burns-looks-to-curb-pollution-levels/#comment-3806 Debbie Fri, 05 Dec 2008 23:33:36 +0000 http://burnstimesherald.info/2008/11/26/burns-looks-to-curb-pollution-levels/#comment-3806 Just how big is Guindon's salary? I know many officer's in law enforcement that get comp time and I have never known any of them to build up that much comp time during a year's time. And why is it that he wasn't able to take any time off? I believe the City of Burns is getting a bad deal from this guy and they don't even realize it yet. Just how big is Guindon’s salary? I know many officer’s in law enforcement that get comp time and I have never known any of them to build up that much comp time during a year’s time. And why is it that he wasn’t able to take any time off? I believe the City of Burns is getting a bad deal from this guy and they don’t even realize it yet.

]]> By: sandy j http://burnstimesherald.info/2008/11/26/burns-looks-to-curb-pollution-levels/#comment-3783 sandy j Wed, 03 Dec 2008 00:39:19 +0000 http://burnstimesherald.info/2008/11/26/burns-looks-to-curb-pollution-levels/#comment-3783 actually now the city council members should know about the blog. As I just copied all the blogs here and the blogs from the last "comp time" issues and sent them to the council members actually now the city council members should know about the blog. As I just copied all the blogs here and the blogs from the last “comp time” issues and sent them to the council members

]]> By: Embittered http://burnstimesherald.info/2008/11/26/burns-looks-to-curb-pollution-levels/#comment-3779 Embittered Tue, 02 Dec 2008 20:43:08 +0000 http://burnstimesherald.info/2008/11/26/burns-looks-to-curb-pollution-levels/#comment-3779 Way to go Crimson (two thumbs up). You need to run for the city council. The only way to let people know about this blog is to get the word out. The people I have told didn't even know about it, and I am sure the Burns City Council doesn't know about it either. The problem with letters to the editor is that people have to leave their full names. This way it gives a person a bit of anonymity and let's the public know what's going on....inside. And yes I will have to agree with you, if you have ever had any dealings with Mr. Guindon, you know that this is a person who cannot keep his temper or his tongue! I feel for the people who have to work under this man. The city needs someone who can get along in AND with the community.....instead of trying to destroy it. Way to go Crimson (two thumbs up). You need to run for the city council. The only way to let people know about this blog is to get the word out. The people I have told didn’t even know about it, and I am sure the Burns City Council doesn’t know about it either. The problem with letters to the editor is that people have to leave their full names. This way it gives a person a bit of anonymity and let’s the public know what’s going on….inside. And yes I will have to agree with you, if you have ever had any dealings with Mr. Guindon, you know that this is a person who cannot keep his temper or his tongue! I feel for the people who have to work under this man. The city needs someone who can get along in AND with the community…..instead of trying to destroy it.

]]> By: Crimson http://burnstimesherald.info/2008/11/26/burns-looks-to-curb-pollution-levels/#comment-3774 Crimson Tue, 02 Dec 2008 03:56:02 +0000 http://burnstimesherald.info/2008/11/26/burns-looks-to-curb-pollution-levels/#comment-3774 I must say Justin Boone's letter was a letter that NEEDED written. Yes kudos!! But the problem is is that the council, except for 2, is all in favor of Guindon. They think Guindon to be the greatest thing to happen to their town and he is. If you want to throw your money away. I want to know how in the world did Guindon rack up that much comp time? Is it REALLY from working as fire chief or is it from something else? I have NEVER seen a department head rack up nearly that much time!! It's absurd to even think he could in the short time he's been here. And what on earth is Guindon thinking by wanting the Burns Citizens to not use their wood stoves? Is Guindon going to pay their oil or electric bills? Maybe he can with that comp time money. I understand that on days it's not cold enough to constitute a fire then don't make one but that's pure common sense. Seriously folks, not using your wood stoves? It seems Guindon is doing a fine job at least far as the council's concerned thinking him such a gentleman. Yeah, a great guy with a calm demeanor and SUCH a way with words. Never to get upset or use FOUL language. You folks aught to attend a few council meetings. Not only would it help the council in realizing what truly needs to be done but also you might get to see Guindon at his best! :) One more thing if the half of these letters got into the newspaper the way they do on this blog it might help too! I must say Justin Boone’s letter was a letter that NEEDED written. Yes kudos!! But the problem is is that the council, except for 2, is all in favor of Guindon. They think Guindon to be the greatest thing to happen to their town and he is. If you want to throw your money away. I want to know how in the world did Guindon rack up that much comp time? Is it REALLY from working as fire chief or is it from something else? I have NEVER seen a department head rack up nearly that much time!! It’s absurd to even think he could in the short time he’s been here.

And what on earth is Guindon thinking by wanting the Burns Citizens to not use their wood stoves? Is Guindon going to pay their oil or electric bills? Maybe he can with that comp time money. I understand that on days it’s not cold enough to constitute a fire then don’t make one but that’s pure common sense. Seriously folks, not using your wood stoves?

It seems Guindon is doing a fine job at least far as the council’s concerned thinking him such a gentleman. Yeah, a great guy with a calm demeanor and SUCH a way with words. Never to get upset or use FOUL language. You folks aught to attend a few council meetings. Not only would it help the council in realizing what truly needs to be done but also you might get to see Guindon at his best! :)

One more thing if the half of these letters got into the newspaper the way they do on this blog it might help too!

]]> By: Embittered http://burnstimesherald.info/2008/11/26/burns-looks-to-curb-pollution-levels/#comment-3771 Embittered Mon, 01 Dec 2008 22:03:58 +0000 http://burnstimesherald.info/2008/11/26/burns-looks-to-curb-pollution-levels/#comment-3771 kudos to Justin Boone on his letter to the editor. Lets hope that the rest of the council and the new mayor are paying attention to the citizens of Burns. They (the council) need to get out and talk with the people and City employee's (With regards to the latter) they (the employee's) have a gag order and cannot talk to anyone, but at least talk with the people of Burns. The people of Haney County are not happy with this interim city manager and fire chief! kudos to Justin Boone on his letter to the editor. Lets hope that the rest of the council and the new mayor are paying attention to the citizens of Burns. They (the council) need to get out and talk with the people and City employee’s (With regards to the latter) they (the employee’s) have a gag order and cannot talk to anyone, but at least talk with the people of Burns. The people of Haney County are not happy with this interim city manager and fire chief!

]]> By: Terri http://burnstimesherald.info/2008/11/26/burns-looks-to-curb-pollution-levels/#comment-3767 Terri Sun, 30 Nov 2008 07:34:42 +0000 http://burnstimesherald.info/2008/11/26/burns-looks-to-curb-pollution-levels/#comment-3767 Yeah he needs "smoked out" in more ways than one!! I was happy to see Justin Boones letter to the editor this week in the paper. The only thing that makes me mad about it is that Justin was warned by several people, me included, about what Guindon was and is and Mr. Boone would not listen. But it looks like the blinders are finally starting to come off. I just hope and pray the come off all the way for everyone wearing them before its too late for the city of Burns and it finds itself broke beyond repair in more ways than one. Yeah he needs “smoked out” in more ways than one!! I was happy to see Justin Boones letter to the editor this week in the paper. The only thing that makes me mad about it is that Justin was warned by several people, me included, about what Guindon was and is and Mr. Boone would not listen. But it looks like the blinders are finally starting to come off. I just hope and pray the come off all the way for everyone wearing them before its too late for the city of Burns and it finds itself broke beyond repair in more ways than one.

]]> By: Bryan http://burnstimesherald.info/2008/11/26/burns-looks-to-curb-pollution-levels/#comment-3763 Bryan Sat, 29 Nov 2008 22:23:54 +0000 http://burnstimesherald.info/2008/11/26/burns-looks-to-curb-pollution-levels/#comment-3763 Is the solution to the problem to curb residential use of fire as a heat source with NO incentives in place given the current economic situation? Maybe that $5,000 dollar grant can be put to use in the composting program the city “MAY” look at. Or we can continue to watch the pile of leaves, wood and yard debris at the dump burn for a week while air quality is very poor here in town. I thought we had to call Dispatch before we burned debris, does the Fire Chief not advise against burning when poor air quality is in the forecast? Incidentally, the Air Quality Index for much of the time while that pile burned up on the hill was "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups." Quick update, the pile continues to burn, yet I see no smoke emanating from my neighbors chimneys. As to Ric D's question; those burns do create pollution. However, those agencies coordinate with ODF which in turns coordinates with DEQ. I know I don't call ODF when I fire up my woodstove, who does? But maybe that $5,000 could be put to use in figuring out how to utilize the biomass that the USFS and BLM burn annually. HUH, reduce fire risk, cleaner air, and improve the local economy. Not a new idea here; one many citizens, local and federal employees have tried to make happen for several years. Maybe with the blessing and a grant from the DEQ the community may be able to take another look at this issue. The poor air quality in town is a symptom of larger issues. We have nowhere to get rid of yard debris but to burn it (air quality issue), wait for the spring clean up (where it gets burned later anyway), go to the dump for a fee (and of course you have to take time off of work to do that because of limited hours at the landfill) or fill your $18/mo garbage can with yard waste for weeks on end. One could also go dump your debris on the end of West A, B, C streets or behind Slater; but that’s illegal according to city ordinance. Wood smoke is also a symptom, not the problem. If you want me to burn less wood, help me get some money for new insulation and windows (most of us in Burns live in very old homes). Don’t waste money informing me that smoke is bad for my health, along with engine exhaust and dust (to name a few PM contributors). I think most people know these things. More wood smoke is also related to the economic status in the city. We lost a large employer (LP), I would imagine things have slowed at Monaco too. And on top of this, oil is expensive. We live near the woods and the Federal Government is practically giving it away, and in some cases they are! Help me utilize it by helping me get a more efficient woodstove. The problem is energy efficiency; the symptom is decreased air quality. The Federal Government and Oregon DEQ (websites below) provide information on tax incentives for woodstoves and other home improvements. There are already incentives for EPA certified woodstoves. Was Mr. Calkins saying that there would be additional incentives if the Pollution Advisory Program is enforced? Or just trying to sell me something that I can get for free already? Additionally, the DEQ also provides a wealth of information about air quality in relation to health, smoke forecasting, and how to use your woodstove more efficiently. That being said, I don’t know that $5,000 needs to be spent on information that could be easily accessed at home or the library via internet. Or for those without the means to look it up on the internet, perhaps the city could just run a few copies of the educational material that’s already available. Put it out in the mail, the city newsletter, or the paper. My guess is that it would cost less and be just about as effective. While the tax incentives are valuable for those that have the funds to make the improvements, they are out of reach for those that need help with the initial investment of energy efficient home improvement. That’s where the grants are needed, not telling the people of this town that smoke is bad for their health. Biomass utilization= more jobs= more money and grants for efficient home improvement= equity and tax incentives realized for citizens= increased income and property value- increased tax revenues. Pollution Advisory Program= another un-enforced ordinance in Burns and method to cite and impose fines on those that can’t afford more efficient heating sources. It’s a shame that the administration of this city has chosen to buddy up with the DEQ to try to put a federally imposed band aid on a much larger issue. http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_tax_credits http://www.deq.state.or.us/aq/burning/woodstoves/index.htm Is the solution to the problem to curb residential use of fire as a heat source with NO incentives in place given the current economic situation? Maybe that $5,000 dollar grant can be put to use in the composting program the city “MAY” look at. Or we can continue to watch the pile of leaves, wood and yard debris at the dump burn for a week while air quality is very poor here in town. I thought we had to call Dispatch before we burned debris, does the Fire Chief not advise against burning when poor air quality is in the forecast? Incidentally, the Air Quality Index for much of the time while that pile burned up on the hill was “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.” Quick update, the pile continues to burn, yet I see no smoke emanating from my neighbors chimneys. As to Ric D’s question; those burns do create pollution. However, those agencies coordinate with ODF which in turns coordinates with DEQ. I know I don’t call ODF when I fire up my woodstove, who does? But maybe that $5,000 could be put to use in figuring out how to utilize the biomass that the USFS and BLM burn annually. HUH, reduce fire risk, cleaner air, and improve the local economy. Not a new idea here; one many citizens, local and federal employees have tried to make happen for several years. Maybe with the blessing and a grant from the DEQ the community may be able to take another look at this issue.

The poor air quality in town is a symptom of larger issues. We have nowhere to get rid of yard debris but to burn it (air quality issue), wait for the spring clean up (where it gets burned later anyway), go to the dump for a fee (and of course you have to take time off of work to do that because of limited hours at the landfill) or fill your $18/mo garbage can with yard waste for weeks on end. One could also go dump your debris on the end of West A, B, C streets or behind Slater; but that’s illegal according to city ordinance. Wood smoke is also a symptom, not the problem. If you want me to burn less wood, help me get some money for new insulation and windows (most of us in Burns live in very old homes). Don’t waste money informing me that smoke is bad for my health, along with engine exhaust and dust (to name a few PM contributors). I think most people know these things. More wood smoke is also related to the economic status in the city. We lost a large employer (LP), I would imagine things have slowed at Monaco too. And on top of this, oil is expensive. We live near the woods and the Federal Government is practically giving it away, and in some cases they are! Help me utilize it by helping me get a more efficient woodstove. The problem is energy efficiency; the symptom is decreased air quality. The Federal Government and Oregon DEQ (websites below) provide information on tax incentives for woodstoves and other home improvements. There are already incentives for EPA certified woodstoves. Was Mr. Calkins saying that there would be additional incentives if the Pollution Advisory Program is enforced? Or just trying to sell me something that I can get for free already? Additionally, the DEQ also provides a wealth of information about air quality in relation to health, smoke forecasting, and how to use your woodstove more efficiently. That being said, I don’t know that $5,000 needs to be spent on information that could be easily accessed at home or the library via internet. Or for those without the means to look it up on the internet, perhaps the city could just run a few copies of the educational material that’s already available. Put it out in the mail, the city newsletter, or the paper. My guess is that it would cost less and be just about as effective. While the tax incentives are valuable for those that have the funds to make the improvements, they are out of reach for those that need help with the initial investment of energy efficient home improvement. That’s where the grants are needed, not telling the people of this town that smoke is bad for their health.

Biomass utilization= more jobs= more money and grants for efficient home improvement= equity and tax incentives realized for citizens= increased income and property value- increased tax revenues.

Pollution Advisory Program= another un-enforced ordinance in Burns and method to cite and impose fines on those that can’t afford more efficient heating sources.

It’s a shame that the administration of this city has chosen to buddy up with the DEQ to try to put a federally imposed band aid on a much larger issue.

http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_tax_credits

http://www.deq.state.or.us/aq/burning/woodstoves/index.htm

]]> By: G Jones http://burnstimesherald.info/2008/11/26/burns-looks-to-curb-pollution-levels/#comment-3746 G Jones Wed, 26 Nov 2008 19:47:57 +0000 http://burnstimesherald.info/2008/11/26/burns-looks-to-curb-pollution-levels/#comment-3746 Seems to me that the city should be focusing on economic development rather than worry about how much smoke is in the air. This is Harney County and wood stove and cows are a prt of life in Harney County. This new fire chief needs to go back where he came from. But instead he will rip off the tax payers and move on when he is finished. He has already started this process. I have lived here all my life and he is the ONLY one who thinks he needs a tricked out Truck so he can be noticed. Will make sure a overload my stove and maybe smoke him out :) Seems to me that the city should be focusing on economic development rather than worry about how much smoke is in the air. This is Harney County and wood stove and cows are a prt of life in Harney County.

This new fire chief needs to go back where he came from. But instead he will rip off the tax payers and move on when he is finished. He has already started this process. I have lived here all my life and he is the ONLY one who thinks he needs a tricked out Truck so he can be noticed.

Will make sure a overload my stove and maybe smoke him out :)

]]> By: Ric D http://burnstimesherald.info/2008/11/26/burns-looks-to-curb-pollution-levels/#comment-3745 Ric D Wed, 26 Nov 2008 18:20:09 +0000 http://burnstimesherald.info/2008/11/26/burns-looks-to-curb-pollution-levels/#comment-3745 Oh and the BLM and Forest Service prescribed burns do not pollute? Oh and the BLM and Forest Service prescribed burns do not pollute?

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