BOURBON – Bourbon Town Council is revisiting the town’s ordinance on the use of fireworks.
Police Chief Bill Martin had asked for clarification on enforcement and if the local ordinance mirrored state statutes.
During the council meeting Tuesday, town attorney Tony Wagner clarified that the state has dates that are protected for consumer use of fireworks and may not be prohibited by a local ordinance.
Protected dates and times are: June 29 to July 3, 5 p.m. until two hours after sunset; July 4 from 10 a.m. to midnight; and July 5-9 from 5 p.m. until two hours after sunset.
Fireworks can only be purchased by persons 18 years of age or older.
In August 2014, council members discussed setting a revised fireworks ordinance for Bourbon. It was decided to limit the use of fireworks in town to Fridays, Saturdays and the holidays mentioned in the state fireworks law. It was noted that the town allowed fireworks from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
The council members voted to revise the times from 5 to 11 p.m. on first reading. The council could amend the motion on second reading at the July meeting.
In other matters, the council has set a deadline of June 24 for the owner of a property at 803 N. Main St. to enter into an agreement with the town. If not, Wagner will proceed with a court date to resolve the matter of an unsafe property and past due payments owed to the town in the amount of $2,500 for storm water, mowing and trash pickup fees. Both water and sewer lines had been capped due to nonpayment several months ago.
The council voted to proceed with a proposed agreement that would write off the utility fees if the owner pays the taxes due and signs a quick claim deed by the end of the month.
Wagner said, “The 25th is a drop dead date.”
If the town assumes the property, demolition of the home would be the next action with the intent to sell the lot to recoup demolition costs.
As a follow-up to a request made by Jackie Wright, director of Council of Aging, during the May council meeting, the council members voted unanimously to donate $2,000 in 2020 to help support transportation for senior citizens for such needs as medical appointments, shopping, etc.
Local resident Alvin Chupp appeared before the council seeking permission to remove sod from what is either a town easement or a town alley and resurface it with stone. Chupp explained that he wants to build a garage on his property and the stone will allow him to have a better surface to drive to his property. Chupp said he would assume all the costs and have the approximately 10-foot section from Jefferson to Pine streets finished with limestone.
Council members asked Chupp to speak with his neighbors and report back at the July meeting.
Town clerk-treasurer Kim Berger informed the council members that dispatch fees for fire, police and medical emergencies would be $10,000 in 2020. She said she had met with other town officials on the matter and other smaller towns will be paying the same flat rate. In prior years, fees were based on the number of calls made to the central dispatch location.
Berger also told the council that a light pole in the town park had broken at ground level and they are attempting to get quotes to have it repaired. Bill Keyser, zoning department, said there are several light poles at the baseball diamonds that are rotten and dangerous. Quotes are also being sought for replacements.
