Councils hear public concerns
over fireworks in Presque Isle
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Despite public complaints about where and when fireworks are used in the city, councilors opted at their Sept. 5 meeting to continue monitoring their use instead of implementing an ordinance restricting or eliminating use of the products at this time.
Police Chief Matt Irwin opened the discussion, sharing points he and Fire Chief Darrell White provided councilors in a joint memo on the number and types of calls each department had received to date.
“From a public safety standpoint, we’ve had no problems with (fireworks). We understand some members of the community have problems, but it’s not overburdening our resources,” said Irwin.
“From our standpoint, it’s more a quality of life issue than a burden to departments,” added Irwin.
Irwin noted the PIPD had received approximately 27 calls since the first of the year, when the law changed in the state to allow private citizens access to fireworks.
“Most of the calls came from the last day or two of June to a couple days after July 4. In talking with Darrell, the PIFD has had no emergency calls and only a few asking for information on the laws, etc. The PIPD has responded to loud noise and stuff — issues concerning where they can be fired off. It’s been a non-issue for us. The days around July 4, New Year’s will be problematic, but it’s usually only a couple days and it’s over,” said Irwin.
Councilor Dick Engels said state provisions were already in place with regard to the use of fireworks, including they may only be used on personal property or with a property owner’s consent, they can only be used between 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. except on specific holidays such as July 4 and New Year’s and people under 21 cannot possess, set off or use.
“Anyone who would give/sell to anyone under age is committing a criminal act,” said Engels. “The potential of youth getting these and the times they’re set off is of concern.”
Citizens in attendance were allowed an opportunity to share their concerns with councilors.
Ann Knight, a Hardy St. resident, said the “quality of life is very unnerving.”
“I’ve had fireworks going off on streets behind, below, everywhere any time. They’ve gone off in the afternoon, they were going off last night,” said Knight, a lifelong resident.
Knight said she and her husband had spoken to area seniors and that “people are not happy.”
“For those who go to bed early, you hear ‘pop, pop, pop’ and you’re not sure if it’s gunfire going off. I was peacefully sitting in my house recently, heard them go off and it scared me half to death,” she said, adding she could believe people do this for fun. “There’s no respect.”
“My poor dog is traumatized and will never be the same. She goes down the driveway and freezes. One night I was walking her after supper and they were going off everywhere. She froze. Now when it starts getting dark, she won’t go out,” said Knight.
“Why do we have to have these? Caribou and Houlton don’t allow; why can’t we have an ordinance? Why can’t we have them just on special occasions or with a permit or not at all?” Knight concluded.
Todd Russell, a Hillside St. resident who’d spoken on the issue with Council before, said he’d been in the military and has other reasons for concern.
“It takes a really significant reason for someone to complain about fireworks; it causes antagonism in neighborhoods. Do I call and complain — certain inhibitions neighbors have about reporting others. We have a community and need to voice opinions but we also have to try to get along without complaining,” said Russell, noting he understands the business is here but that it “doesn’t really help the community.”
He recommended councilors set special blocks of time for their use.
“It’s annoying. If you let something destroy you and ruin your day, it’s probably not worth it. Hopefully if you form a plan, you’ll consider some people just don’t like to complain,” Russell said.
June Rand who resides on the Chapman Road said she hoped councilors had “as much common sense as Caribou and Houlton to discontinue this.”
“I’m not for this. I heard they can only be used on one’s property only. But how do you put a rocket off on your property? I’m petrified of them,” said Rand, who went on to share a story from her childhood, when her father and some friends set off some fireworks. One went astray and they couldn’t find it. A short time later, a neighbor’s home was discovered on fire — a fire caused by the missing fireworks.
“I can’t forget that. I hope you consider doing as other towns have done,” said Rand.
Engels said this was something to continue to monitor, with police and fire continuing to provide feedback.
“I for one don’t think there’s sufficient issues to address at this time but will continue to monitor,” he said.
Councilor Peter Hallowell said he was not a believer in restricting businesses, though he’s not a big fan of fireworks himself, nor was his dog.
“I don’t think we should be in the business of over-regulating. I’d like to see some middle ground and compromise,” said Hallowell.
Council Chair Emily Smith noted she did not have a dog to contend with but knew how annoying it was to get her 4-year-old son to sleep when fireworks were in use.
“I’ve lived and worked in states like Florida that have dealt with fireworks for a long time. There’s not as much hype. I think people are excited about it now but in time it will wear off. More and more as police and fire respond, they’re educating the public,” said Smith.
Council will continue to monitor the use of fireworks. Anyone with concerns is asked to contact the PIPD at 764-4476, PIFD at 769-0881 or City Hall at 760-2785.
