A public information meeting has been planned, to gather input from Nobleboro citizens, on a possible fireworks ordinance.
At their May 9 meeting, selectmen reviewed the status of several proposals that will face voters in other Lincoln County towns in June and agreed that a similar referendum in Nobleboro could not come before the November general election.
“I’ve been getting a lot of input from citizens,” Selectman Al Lewis said. Chairman Dick Spear said the comments he has received have been split between supporters and opponents, with more in favor of allowing private use of consumer fireworks in town.
Lewis said residents have raised valid concerns, particularly about fire safety.
“I don’t think we need to go with an outright ban,” he said and suggested an ordinance should relate to the fire danger level that is published daily by the Maine Forest Service.
Selectman Deb Wilson suggested an online permit system, similar to that used for burning yard waste, but agreed with Lewis that there may not be a need for heavy restrictions.
“We should wait to see if it is a nuisance,” Wilson said.
State law restricts consumer fireworks use the hours prior to 10 p.m., but makes exceptions for Independence Day, New Year’s Eve and the weekends that surround those holidays. On those days, fireworks may be used until 12:30 a.m.
Lewis said phone calls he has received are running “5-to-1 against” but that people he meets in person either don’t care or support allowing the use of consumer fireworks in town.
He said wildlife concerns were important. Wilson agreed, reminding the board about the way in which domestic animals react to the noise.
The board set a tentative date of Wed., June 20 at 7 p.m. for a public meeting to gather information that would be used in constructing a possible ordinance. No decision would be made at that time, and any ordinance would have to pass a town-wide vote.
If that meeting date is confirmed, the June 20 meeting of the Board of Selectmen will begin an hour early, at 6 p.m.
The next meeting of the Nobleboro Board of Selectmen is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. on Wed., May 23. For more information, call the Nobleboro Town Office at 563-8816.
