JAY — Selectmen will hold a public hearing Monday on a proposed $6 million municipal budget for 2013-14 and a proposed consumer fireworks ordinance.
The hearing will begin at 6 p.m. Monday in the library at Spruce Mountain High School in Jay.
The proposed spending plan is a $210,305.06 decrease from the current budget.
The annual town meeting referendum will be held from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. June 11, at the Town Office.
The proposed fireworks ordinance was put together by an 11-member committee at selectmen’s direction after residents raised concerns over noise and potential fire hazards last year.
If voters approve it, it would go into effect 30 days after it is adopted.
The hours of use and the type of fireworks allowed follow state law that legalized certain fireworks in January 2012.
Under the proposal, consumer fireworks requires a permit from the Jay Fire Rescue Department. Hours to get a permit would be between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., with no permits issued after 6 p.m.
The fire chief or designee would issue the permit if it is found not to create a fire danger to the general public.
The guidelines state that fireworks would not be used within 100 feet of any combustible structure or within 50 feet of overhead power lines.
Spectators shall be no closer than 50 feet from the discharge point.
Any person using consumer fireworks must provide for cleanup and removal of debris. The disposal of unfired or unused fireworks shall be done under the guidelines set the by the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office.
It would be unlawful for any person using the fireworks to be under the influence of alcohol or otherwise impaired.
Those discharging fireworks need to have a means to extinguish any spot fires resulting from use. They will also need access to 911 by land line or mobile telephone should an emergency arise.
The proposal also outlines the penalties for a civil violation that would be $200 to $400 plus attorney fees and cost for the first offense. Subsequent offenses would range from $500 to $1,000 plus attorney fees and costs.
The ordinance would be enforced by Jay police, Franklin County Sheriff’s Department, Maine State Police and any law enforcement agency with which the town has a mutual aid agreement.
dperry@sunjournal.com
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