CLINTON - City officials want more public input on a leaf burning ban before deciding if any changes are needed.

"Overall, I think the program went well," Commissioner Bryan Hickman said. "We had a lot of compliments, and overall, it was a good year. But we probably haven't heard from everybody who has an opinion, so we will schedule a public forum and gather input then."

Hickman expects that meeting in January or February.

A year ago, the council approved a total ban on leaf burning. Before that, residents could burn leaves on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

The city bought a second leaf vacuum and divided the city into five zones, with each area designated for a specific pickup day.

"From everything I have heard, the program worked quite well," Commissioner Tom Edmunds said. "For a topic that generated a lot of discussion and opinions, I was very encouraged from the comments I received."

Four years ago, voters in an advisory referendum defeated a proposal to ban leaf burning by a 2-to-1 margin.

Police were charged with enforcing the ban.

"Our policy this year was to remind folks there was a burn ban in place," Mayor Ed Wollet said. "There is a $25 fine for violations and, at some point, we will begin issuing tickets."

Leaf vacuums have been put away for the year, but residents can bag leaves and call city hall or the Clinton Street Department to have the bags picked up.

"One of the reasons for the public forum is to hear from folks that had problems or weren't aware of the schedule for the leaf vacuums," Hickman said. "We don't always hear of all the problems, and with a public forum dedicated to this specific issue, it gives everyone a chance to voice their opinion."

kbarlow@pantagraph.com