Council tightens time line rules on fireworks permits

Fee increases by $50 if permit turned in under 45 days prior to planned event

At the May 22 Medford city council committee of the whole meeting, the members discussed the Firework Ordinance that allows private firework displays in specific areas of the city with a permit and a fee of $100.

This ordinance also requires the permit to be submitted within a 45 day time frame prior to the event. The members voted to amend the ordinance and add a $50 penalty for requests that are submitted 44 to 14 days prior to the event. Requests that are submitted less than 14 days prior to the event will be denied.

The council accepted bids for the Whelen Park Pavilion project and the Centennial Parkway Bandshell project. With the lowest bid of $633,900, S.D. Ellenbecker, Inc was approved to work on the pavilion project. Huotari Construction, Inc. was approved to work on the bandshell project with the lowest bid of $303,654.30.

The use of alcohol on the public right of ways for the Bringing Back the Street Dance event was approved with the requirement that anyone with alcohol will have to stay within the perimeter of event. It was suggested that signs be set up to mark the perimeter.

The council approved the suspension of ordinance 412 that was requested by Marilyn Frank for the Grass on the Black event. This suspension will allow the event to take place in the public right of way of Main Street (Broadway to Division), State Street down to Whelen, and Whelen from the southern most City lot driveway to Perkins Street.

The Resolution Declaring Official Intent to Reimburse Expenditures from Proceeds of Borrowing Through The State Of Wisconsin Environmental Improvement Fund – Clean Water Fund Loan Program will be adopted by the city with the approval of the council.