At the September 23 Legislative Policy Committee meeting, Commissioner Kochin asked fellow commissioners whether the city should ban campfires because of air quality. The Legislative Policy Committee is usually attended by all seven city commissioners, yet the meeting is not live-streamed or recorded by the city. The following recording was made by a resident who attended the meeting virtually under the city's Virtual Public Participation Policy.

Fire ban discussion

During discussion, City Manager Seyferth explained the city already limits where a backyard fire can sit and what can be burned. Enforcement of a total ban would be complex and would likely require a responding police officer to witness the actual fire burning. A neighbor calling after the fire is out is not enough. Mayor Johnson suggested air-quality monitors instead, so the city could warn residents on bad days not to burn. Commissioner Kilgo asked where current ordinance regarding fires could be found.

The Muskegon Department of Public Safety lists the current rules for recreational fires here: Subject: 2014 Recreational Fires – City of Muskegon

Fires must be 25 feet from any structure or other combustible material and an extinguish order may be given by the city fire deparment or police department for non-compliance.

When Mayor Johnson asked if anyone wanted to study a ban further, the answer was no. No commissioner offered a reason beyond the original air-quality note. The item was not placed on a future agenda.