Water Street Townhomes pulls request for fire pit, Board of Works approves pre-payment and St. Michael request

Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at 2:00 AM

By Kathy Bottorff

Under the title of Requests, the Plymouth Board of Public Works and Safety attempted to un-table the request of Kevin Berger to allow a firepit on one of the concrete islands in the city’s parking lot that will be directly behind the Water Street Townhouses.

Two weeks ago, Berger presented the request for a 24-inch wood-burning fire pit.

The city attorney said that if the fire pit were on private property, there would be no need for a request. However, because the parking lot behind the new townhouses is city property, approval was required.

Councilman Dave Morrow had some concern after Berger estimated the pit would be 8 to 10 feet from a structure. He said the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) recommends 25 feet from a structure.

Councilman Duane Culp had concerns over liability since the fire pit would be on city property, so the request was tabled for further investigation.

Monday evening, Mayor Robert Listenberger told members of the Board of Public Works and Safety that the request had been rescinded.

The Board of Works also approved a pre-payment request for the entertainment and blowups for the Family Fund Day in River Park Square on Saturday, August 23rd, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Patty Welch presented the final request on behalf of Saint Michael Church and School. Their annual Fall Festival will be on Saturday, October 4th, with a chicken and noodle dinner from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and a beer fest outside in the playground area from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The board approved a request to close the alley between the Saint Michael School and the playground from noon to 11 p.m.