By Pat Davis, Route 66 Indepdent, Edgewood — Heading into a long, hot and dry summer with regular Edgewood windy days and uncertain fire department coverage, town commissioners passed a new 30-day fireworks ban but postponed a decision on giving the town’s police officers powers to criminally charge residents for violating a long list of new fire restrictions.
Under state law, municipalities can impose fireworks bans for up to 30-days at a time. Aerial fireworks, including “missile-type rockets, stick-type rockets, helicopters and aerial spinners” would be prohibited in Edgewood starting on May 16 through June 15 unless the commission renews the ban in the interim. Violators could be issued a citation with fines ranging from $75-$500.
Town Manager Kelly Hamilton said his experience led him to be most concerned about banning aerial devices but wasn’t sure how the town would regulate “ground audible devices” on streets or public parking lots, for example. Police Chief Aaron Frost agreed that enforcement of those ground devices would be difficult and resource intensive. Commissioners ultimately chose to pass on banning those devices, for now.
In debate over an ordinance detailing prohibited activities during high fire dangers, Former Mayor John Abrams noted during comment that the ordinance, as written, could ban motorized vehicles including most automobiles. “You are going to criminalize any resident of the Town of Edgewood anytime this is in effect.” Other commenters worried that construction and standard farm equipment could also be banned under the broad language. Commissioner Raridan suggested adding language to specify that restrictions would only apply to small engines and off-road vehicles. Commissioner Brennan also raised those concerns before commissioner directed staff to bring back a cleaner draft to a future meeting.