MONTICELLO — The Village of Monticello passed two local laws Wednesday night, addressing outdoor burning and the use of shipping containers as storage units.

Local Law #17 amends Chapter 123-3 of the Village Code, which prohibits outdoor burning. “We find that people have six-foot-diameter pits and [are] burning large tree trunks and stumps and all, and it gives an excuse to say ‘I’m having a barbecue,’” explained Trustee John Barbarite. “It poses a dangerous situation because a fire that large—after they [the burner] finish whatever they’re doing—still smolders for hours later.”

The law now limits outdoor burning to barbecue grills only, specifying that barbecue pits do not qualify.

During the public hearing, Monticello resident Yakov Mandelovics expressed concern about how the law might impact religious observance. 

“One is what we call Biur Chametz, which means we’re burning all the bread (usually in March or April, depending on Passover),” said Mandelovics. “Then there’s a Jewish holiday called Lag B’Omer when we light a fire and are dancing around it. [I request] if we could make exceptions for religious activity.”

Trustee Theodore Hutchins clarified that the law doesn’t outright ban fires, noting, “Some people want to sit out ... and keep the bugs and stuff away. You’re not doing the big logs and stuff. I think that there’s no exception needing to be made.”

Village Attorney Michael Sussman advised Mandelovics to notify both the Building and Police Departments in writing about specific observance dates, since they vary year to year. He also urged community members to take proper safety precautions, such as keeping water buckets nearby, alluding to Barbarite’s previous statements.

Local Law #18 adds a new section to Article VX—Parking of Large Vehicles—regulating the placement and use of shipping containers and tractor-trailer trailers.

“It’s very common now for people to buy those shipping containers rather than those little garden sheds,” said Barbarite. “Some of the people are buying 40-foot-long shipping containers and putting them in their side yards and backyards in lieu of a smaller garden shed.”

The existing Village Code already limits sheds of a certain size and requires permits. The new law aims to prohibit shipping containers, which Barbarite described as “unsightly, and they don’t belong.” He added that the Village also wants to regulate the use of tractor-trailers as storage units or makeshift buildings on residential and commercial properties.

With no public comment submitted for or against Local Law #18, the Board adopted both laws as Type II actions under SEQR.

The Local Laws were adopted following a motion by Trustee Theodore Hutchins and a second by Trustee Gordon Jenkins.

Further details on Halloween Parade; insurance requirements discussed

Danielle Galati, president and founder of Reach Towards the Stars, came before the Monticello Village Board this week to update the Board on plans for the nonprofit’s upcoming 4th Annual Halloween Parade and Trunk-or-Treat.

Galati explained that the parade will begin on North Street across from the Elks Lodge, 46 North Street, and continue to the Ted Stroebele Center on Jefferson Street, where the Trunk-or-Treat and family activities will take place.

“This is a completely free event,” Galati told the Board. “We have pumpkin painting, face painting, DJs, a petting zoo ... all different kinds of activities for the kids. We finalized the route with (Monticello Police) Chief (David) Lindsay, went over safety concerns again, and everything is ready to go.”

Board members briefly discussed insurance requirements, with officials noting the importance of having the village listed as an additional insured. Galati responded that her organization had previously provided a certificate of insurance and that sponsors help ensure coverage for community events.

According to the flyer Galati  handed the Board, the Halloween Parade and Trunk-or-Treat will be held Saturday, October 25 at 2 p.m. 

The event is expected to draw families from across the community and will feature music by DJ Big Time, arts and crafts, and holiday fun.

Residents interested in registering their vehicle for the Trunk-or-Treat are encouraged to contact Galati at 845-707-2785.

“This is a great event,” Sussman remarked following the discussion.