Special town meeting votes OK fireworks and dog ordinances

By Stuart Hedstrom

Staff Writer

BROWNVILLE — In response, in part, to noise complaints in the dense housing among the residents of Brownville Junction, a fireworks ordinance and an amendment to the existing dog ordinance were both approved during a special town meeting on Aug. 5 at the American Legion Post 92/BJHS Alumni Building.

“Nothing’s really out of the ordinary, this is going to restrict the use of fireworks in tight, close areas,” Town Manager Matthew Pineo said. He said fireworks complaints from the Junction have been made to the board of selectmen and the ordinance provides the police department with a mechanism for enforcement.

Per the ordinance, consumer fireworks cannot be discharged before noon or after 10 p.m. or within 100 yards of a building or residential dwelling without the permission of the owner or another adult occupant. “I think more than anything it’s being respectful to your neighbor and advising your neighbor,” Pineo said.

The ordinance exceptions are on the Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve, with fireworks permitted until 1 a.m. for ringing in the New Year.

“For this the penalty is pretty steep,” Pineo said. With fines increasing for both consumer and commercial violations depending on the number of incidents.

The Brownville dog ordinance has been on the books for a decade, and now the document includes an amendment addressing ongoing problems with barking dogs.

“This was another opportunity that was presented to the board of selectmen and the planning board,” Pineo said. “Again it came out of a lack of respect for thy neighbor.”

The amendment states that no owner or individual with custody of a dog in Brownville shall allow the dog, either outside or inside, to unnecessarily annoy or disturb someone else by continued or repeated barking or other loud or excessive noises. Excessive noises is specified as frequent or habitual barking, howling or yelping for more than 20 minutes consecutively or intermittently for 30 minutes within a three-hour timeframe.

Those experiencing problems with a nearby dog can now submit a signed and sworn complaint to the police department or animal control officer. From there the authorities will investigate and potentially give a warning to the dog owner or keeper, which will be in effect for 180 days. Future violations can be subject to fines at $50 increments depending on the number of violations.

Licensed animal establishments, dogs engaged in herding and agricultural guard dogs are exempt from the ordinance revisions.