MANSFIELD – A public hearing on the borough’s proposed burning ordinance yielded no comments and was over after public works Director Shawn Forrest noted changes made at the April borough council meeting.

Council then proceeded to approve the updated ordinance as advertised.

The ordinance has been a point of contention, bringing out large crowds of borough residents to council meetings since last spring when council first broached the idea of tightening control of backyard fires after a councilman complained about an illegal fire at a house occupied by university students across the street from his house.

The revised ordinance was the result of a collaboration with a citizen’s advisory committee that worked with the borough’s safety committee to hammer out acceptable changes.

Changes in the ordinance included setback requirements of 15 feet, expanded from the original 10 feet, as well as the type of container and fuel, establishing a time frame when burning may take place and what type of substance would be needed for fire control in the event a fire gets out of control or threatens to spread to a nearby structure.

In other business, following a 35-minute executive session, council approved a settlement agreement with Richmond Township revising allocations of sewage that is accepted at the borough’s wastewater treatment plant to 187,500 gallons per day of organic liquids and 187 pounds per day of biochemical oxygen demand, or bods, subject to approval by the borough’s legal counsel.

According to Councilman David Cummings, following arbitration, the figures represent a decrease in the liquids in order to increase the solids accepted by the plant.

In other related business, council approved the purchase of a camera cable for $2,000 and a locator for $2,600, to deal with sewage issues in the borough. The cost of the camera will be paid for from the borough’s sewer fund. The borough’s water authority will be asked to cover the cost of the locater.

Council also heard that the sewage treatment plant will give away older compost chips, to transfer newer chips over.

Council also approved the advertising of its flood plain ordinance and plans to vote on the ordinance at the June meeting.

In other business council:

* Heard from the shade tree committee chairman Bob Strohecker that the spring planting of 15 trees has been done in Smythe Park, and two on North Main Street.

*Heard from recreation committee chairwoman Heather Morgan that the South Academy Street Playground renovation fund now has $6,052 in donations, with $1,807 made from a chicken barbecue May 2. Another barbecue is planned for June 13 in the borough building parking lot, with twice as many chicken halves ordered.

* Approved a change order reduction of $46,200 for sewer line work done recently by Mid-State Paving, based on the amount of material used, bringing the project in at $25,900 under the original estimate. Council also approved final payment to Mid-State Paving, of $358,000 to close out the stormwater line replacement project.

* Agreed to put off doing anything with the municipal swimming pool deck until the pool closes in the fall due to a lack of bidders to remove it before swimming season begins in June.

* Approved the hire of pool staff, all returnees from last year and previous years, all current on required certifications. Because of all the new Safe Kid laws in effect lifeguard aged 14 and up must have child abuse clearances, a $10 fee. The borough will have them pay it and then reimburse them upon proof of certification.

* Approved roof replacement at the former armory, now the YMCA, over the garage portion which is being renovated into usable space for $11,625 with Nickerson Construction, of Blossburg.

* Approved a permit request for the July 4 parade at 2 p.m. because of the usual 4 p.m. time conflicting with Holy Child Catholic Church services.

* Approved advertising for sale a Jeep that would not pass inspection.

* Appointed Mayor Tom Wierbowski, Dart and Morgan as members of the Mansfield Sister Cities committee for the gathering of representatives of Mansfields around the world here next year.