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Officials voted 4-2 to ban open burning in the village limits, citing concerns about the health and safety of residents. Trustees Maureen Roe and Gary Breidinger voted against the ordinance.

The previous anti-burning ordinance expired April 1. The council was required to hold a public hearing on the issue before making a decision.

The revised ordinance includes a new exemption that allows brush burning in January and February. Brush is defined as clippings from bushes or shrubs and branches from trimming or pruning trees. Leaves cannot be burned through the exemption.

From April to December of last year, residents received free weekly yard waste pick-up as part of their residential waste management services through the Mid-Michigan Waste Authority. The village paid for the service with its recycling rebate.

Last month, the council approved keeping the yard waste pick-up component in their MMWA contract. Residents will pay $13 a year for the service, with the increase reflected on their annual tax bill.

The burning ban does not apply to recreational fires for bonfires and cooking. Fires of this nature must not exceed three feet in diameter and must be attended by an adult.

Yard waste must be placed in biodegradable kraft paper bags or in receptacles with a yard waste sticker. Stickers are available at the village office.

Residents who don't want to place their yard waste at the curb can use the village compost pile behind the Department of Public Works barn.

In other news:

* The village received a $9,251.45 franchise check from Charter Communications, more than the $8,400 anticipated in the annual budget. Village Manager Kristine Neumann noted that new legislation might impact local franchise fee collection in the future.

* The council approved a proclamation declaring May 12 as Thomas W. Orr Day. Orr is a St. Charles Boy Scout who has earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Council member Doug Holem, a former Eagle Scout, will present the proclamation to Orr on that date.

* Village DPW employees have planted several new crab apple trees in planters near Frank's Supermarket and silver birch trees by the river in Lumberjack Park. The trees replace ash trees that were removed due to statewide concerns about Emerald Ash Borer infestation.

* Council members invited the public to a reception honoring Neumann on her last day, Friday, April 13. The open house was held at the village office. Officials saluted Neumann for her 32 years of village service, the last 13 as manager. Public Works Supervisor Hal Mead will take over the position on Monday.