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Ms. Kuhl-Stennes provided more information on the moisture meter, noting its relatively cheap <br />cost and the ability to purchase the tool at most home improvement stores. <br /> <br />Board Member Hagerty asked if there is a minimum lot size requirement for a wood boiler. <br /> <br />Chairperson Fetterley confirmed that the City does not have that type of regulation within its <br />ordinance. She asked if there is a way to test if items other than wood are being burned in the <br />system. <br /> <br />Ms. Kuhl-Stennes was not aware of such a method of testing. <br /> <br />Councilmember Peters asked if there was legal pushback from the residents towards the City in <br />Stillwater Township from the updated regulations it developed. <br /> <br />Ms. Kuhl-Stennes stated that the issue did go through the court. She noted that the residents hired <br />a lawyer to legally encourage the township to enforce the nuisance ordinance. <br /> <br />Councilmember Peters asked for more information on the enforcement mechanisms used by <br />Stillwater Township. <br /> <br />Ms. Kuhl-Stennes replied that the township required the operator of the wood boiler to cease using <br />it and required the removal of the equipment. She confirmed that wood boilers were not banned <br />in that community, but required the boiler to be removed for someone who was in violation. <br /> <br />Councilmember Peters asked about the cost of a permit for a wood boiler in Ramsey. <br /> <br />Planning Manager Larson replied that mechanical permits are not expensive. <br /> <br />Councilmember Peters asked if someone would be out of compliance if they had a wood boiler <br />without a permit. <br /> <br />Planning Manager Larson explained that the issue they have with this case is that several of these <br />devices existed prior to the permit. He stated that the challenge they have is what is considered to <br />be unreasonable, as one person can deem something unreasonable while another person may find <br />it reasonable. <br /> <br />Chairperson Fetterley commented that it seems the current Code is too ambiguous for enforcement. <br />She asked that Ms. Kuhl-Stennes and Mr. Ellis forward any additional information they have <br />related to the Stillwater Township case, as that could be helpful. She welcomed public input. <br /> <br />Randy Keyser, 16967 Bison Street NW, commented that he has been to City Council meetings and <br />has met with members of City staff and the City Council to discuss his concerns. He stated that <br />he has three neighbors with outdoor wood boilers, two of which are older and one that was installed <br />one year ago. He commented that he required medical attention the previous year because of the <br />poor air quality in his home. He noted that the air quality on his property varies depending on the <br />direction of the wind. He stated that he has called the City and 911 about this issue and continues <br />to be told that wood boilers are legal. He stated that he is being injured and his health is at risk <br />because of this issue. He noted that two of his neighbors have passed away, one of whom was on <br /> <br />Environmental Policy Board / August 18, 2025 <br />Page 3 of 6 <br /> <br />