Councils hear public concerns
over fireworks in Washburn
WASHBURN — Citizens had an opportunity to share their concerns with regard to the use of fireworks with town officials during a public hearing at the Civic Center Monday night.
Drafts of two sample ordinances were discussed: one ordinance governing and prohibiting the sale and use of consumer fireworks to ensure the safety of the residents and property owners of the town of Washburn and of the general public; while the second allowing the sale and use but with certain restrictions, including obtaining a permit for storage and sale of consumer fireworks and requiring certain setbacks from other properties and proof of insurance. The second option also would prevent use within the urban compact zone and require them to be used at least 100 feet from any building or structure, would shorten the hours of use from state guidelines by one hour, with a 9 p.m. cutoff, require persons using to clean up and remove debris and require users to maintain a means to extinguish them on site. The town would assume no liability for injuries resulting from the use of such products.
Under each ordinance option, violators would face a fine of $100, plus court costs, as well as any expenses incurred by emergency personnel due to misuse or damage caused by fireworks.
Council Chair Keith Brown also noted a third option would be to take no action, with the town continuing to follow the state’s law for use of fireworks.
Resident Jim Robotham was first to speak, expressing concern over the possibility of fires escaping users. “It could get away from them, create liabilities. People don’t own up to mistakes. It’s always someone else’s problem,” he said.
John Drost, a resident, opposed any ordinance, noting “people have a sense of when to and not to use in certain areas and respect their neighbors.”
“I live in a residential neighborhood and won’t get neighbors all upset shooting off fireworks. I’ve talked to them and they seem to be ok. I don’t think we need anything other than what the state has,” he said. “We already have too many ordinances as it is; let’s not infringe on others’ rights.”
Dawn Robotham agreed with her husband, stating she does taxes for veterans with PTSD and has heard from several of the problems they’ve had.
“Noises like this can set them off. Firecrackers can sound like gunfire. Do we want to subject our vets to stuff like that? It’s not their fault they have the disease,” she said.
Town Manager Bev Turner said only a few calls had been received, with the fire chief receiving a couple inquiries on use and the state law but no emergencies. Washburn police had had no complaints, she said.
“The police department had five incident cards with regard to state laws and a total of eight complaint cards,” said Turner. Of the eight complaints, six occurred in July, one in August and one in September.
Main Street resident Steve Boddy said he thought “we need to find a middle ground.”
“Is having the ability to have fireworks on weekends okay or not during the week — certain times. Or how high can they go?” asked Boddy. “We could still make them available if you choose to use them, but regualte with tighter controls during the week. Find a middle ground between the two extremes.”
Steve Dobson, owner of the Hospitality Inn off Route 164, said he’s set off fireworks twice this year. The first time he said a neighbor complained because it affected their animals.
“The next time I set them off, I went up and told the people beforehand, so at least they were aware of it,” said Dobson. “I have groups — a particular group comes from France — I set them off for them. I didn’t expect trouble but didn’t think of people with animals.”
“If you notify people that it’s going to happen, try to understand they have a right to peace and quiet and can get annoyed. I plan to use them at least three times next year but will know in advance. I think if you notify people and let them know it’s safe, they’re okay. This helped my business,” said Dobson. “The next time I used them, I made a personal trip up to tell the neighbors. They have a right to know and it’s a fair thing to do.”
“If we go out of our way to make sure things are safe, compliant and in responsible hands, I think it can work,” Dobson said.
James Robotham, like his parents, had concerns over the use of fireworks and how they affect others.
“I’m a veteran. I can be sitting out relaxing and when they’re set off, it can sound like gunfire and I have to seek a hole. Something needs to be done,” he said. “When I know, it’s one thing. But when I’m driving and not expecting it, it’s another.”
Councilor Fred Thomas sympathized with him, noting he has a vet living with him with PTSD.
“I’m very sympathetic and totally understand. Within the compact zone, it’s a lot different sound than if you’re out in the country,” said Thomas.
Drost said he was a vet and his son was a vet but he didn’t think changes were necessary.
“I’m a Vietnam era vet. Vets were sent to the hospital and sent right back into active service. I understand being skiddish, but you can’t hide forever,” said Drost.
Boddy said giving advance notice was great but that tighter restrictions should be in place for downtown.
“You do have the closeness of buildings and the sounds are different. There’s room for both sides to be happy and get what they want,” Boddy said.
Thomas said this year was the exception.
“This was the first year to get fireworks. People bought and shot off fireworks because it was new. I’m not sure how many people will do it next year due to the cost,” said Thomas, noting that once the new wears off, he didn’t think fireworks would continue to be a problem.
Turner suggested speaking with Caribou officials about their ordinance and looking at what Houlton has done with regard to fireworks. Officials agreed another public hearing should be held, prior to any decision being made on whether to establish an ordinance or not.
“In the meantime, we welcome input and encourage the public to let us know their thoughts on the matter,” said Turner.
“The whole idea is to get a decent compromise. This will work the best if everyone participates,” said Brown.
Council will take up the matter at a public hearing at their next meeting, slated for Monday, Oct. 15. For more information or to share thoughts on the use of fireworks in Washburn, call 455-8485.
