Fireworks allowed in service area one three days a year

PETERSBURG – An ordinance allowing the use of fireworks within service area one three days out of the year was passed by the borough assembly in its third reading on Monday.

Ordinance #2019-04 allows residents to light fireworks on their property on July 3 and 4 and Dec. 31 from 12 P.M. to 1 A.M. Those who light fireworks within service area one outside of the three dates stated in the ordinance can face up to a $500 fine. The ordinance will also allow special permits for the use of consumer fireworks with permission from the Petersburg Police Department and Petersburg Fire Department during special occasions, such as weddings and birthdays.

When the ordinance was first presented to the borough assembly at the May 6 meeting, an amendment was made to the ordinance to not allow fireworks in service area one during any time of the year because the loud noises could be troublesome for pets and veterans suffering from PTSD. What remained in the ordinance was wording that gave a guideline to authorities to give fines to anyone lighting fireworks illegally. During the May 20 meeting, the ordinance was amended to allow fireworks in service area one on July 4 and Dec. 31, after assembly members and residents made arguments in favor of fireworks in service area one, such as freeing up police officer time to pursue drunk drivers instead of people lighting off fireworks. On Monday, the ordinance was ultimately amended to allow fireworks in service area one on July 3 and 4 and Dec. 31 in a 6-1 vote.

"There were a couple disingenuous arguments made last time," said Vice Mayor Jeigh Stanton Gregor. "If we kept it illegal in service area one cops would not be doing DUI arrests or if we made it legal, cops would be doing more DUI arrests and drug arrests. That's kind of an insulting argument to the police department. Whether fireworks are legal or illegal, the cops do their job and focus on the important things."

Assembly Member Kurt Wohlhueter made an amendment to the ordinance, which passed in a 7-0 vote, to allow fireworks in service area one anytime of the year for special occasions with a special permit with permission from the police department and fire department. Police Chief Jim Kerr requested that language be added to specify the fireworks be consumer fireworks that can be bought at a fireworks stand and not display fireworks that require a special permit from the state, such as the fireworks the borough lights off during the Fourth of July firework show at the ball field.

The ordinance to allow fireworks in service area one for three days out of the year and allow officers to give fines for the illegal use of fireworks passed in a 5-2 vote, with Mayor Mark Jensen and Stanton Gregor opposed.