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Board of SelelctmenMinutesJune 9, 2009Official as of July 14, 2009
Town Hall Northwood NH – June 9, 2009
 Call to OrderChairman Alden Dill called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Roll Call
 Chairman Alden Dill, Selectman Robert Holden, and Town Administrator David Stack.Selectman Scott Bryer arrived at 6:11 p.m.
Citizen’s Forum
 With no citizen’s comments, Mr. Dill closed the public portion.
Public Hearings
Fireworks Ordinance
 Mr. Dill opened the hearing for comments. Nancy Haskell from Saddleback Campgroundexplained that if she were to purchase her fireworks and apply for a permit, should thepermit be denied she is not able to return the fireworks. She stated that she will bepurchasing her fireworks for July 4 within the next week and the wording here is statingthat permits will only be issued when a fire danger is at a class one. She stated thatobtaining the permit the day of the event will not be efficient as she would need to track down the necessary officials for signatures. She was glad to see that the hours had beenchanged and expressed concern with notifying abutters when one abutter is the state. Shesuggested that the abutters note be revised and suggested private citizens. She stated thatthere needs to be some type of a time frame established so that the permit can be signedand returned in a timely manner. She stated that she feels a 24 hour period is sufficientfrom officials to the applicant. As far as the waterbodies, she stated that nothing is noted.The water on her property is private and not controlled by the state. Mr. Dill stated thatthe board is only taking comments at this time.Chris Whiting, Bow Street, expressed dismay with the proposed fireworks ordinance. Hestated that this is an attempt to ban all types of fireworks displays in the town. He statedthat the requirements to obtain the permit are onerous to discourage people from evenapplying. He stated that the people that did apply would find it nearly impossible tocomply with the regulations. He referred to recent newspapers articles regarding theaffects of fireworks over waterbodies and stated that the comments are just opinions withno research with conclusions anecdotal evidence. He added that his families have had ayearly fireworks display over July 4th for many years without incident or injuries. Mr.
 
Whiting stated that each year they dedicate the display to the birth of the US and to thesoldiers serving all over the world.Barbara Walters, North Lane, stated that she is located on the waterfront of NorthwoodLake. She stated that she is not in favor of restricting people's rights and this is a slipperyslope that the selectmen should not go down. She agrees that there are many displays of fireworks throughout the state in the summer and is not aware of any definitive studiesdemonstrating that fireworks are damaging to the environment. She stated that fireworksare patriotic and festive. She adds that fireworks should continue to be allowed to be overwater as she is not in favor of incurring the costs through taxation for paramedics orfirefighters if the residents are forced to display fireworks over land.Larry Wiley, North Lane, stated that he too is in opposition to the proposed ordinance.Les Haskell, Saddleback Campground, asked how the ordinance was proposed. Mr. Dillreplied that last summer there were many complaints made relative to fireworks and thepolice department did not have any way to enforce the issue. Mr. Bryer noted that someissues were with the times the fireworks were being discharged. Mr. Haskell mentionedthat there is no one present representing the police or fire departments who could reply tothe comments and questions. He requested the board dismiss the matter.Janet Fortin, Lucas Pond, stated that she supports the proposal. She explained that she isvery patriotic and is a kindergarten teacher who enjoys teaching her students all about theAmerican Flag; however, she does not appreciate being woken up by fireworks at 2 a.m.She stated that the police are called and address the matter; however, when the policeleave the noise resumes. She added that this begins around Memorial Day and ends onLabor Day. She stated that there must be some type of recourse and suggested that therebe times established for shooting off fireworks.Marion Knedler, Newman Dr., explained that fireworks are being shot off until midnightby people who are intoxicated and she too calls the police. The matter is addressed whilethe police are there and the people quiet down until the police are gone. She stated thatthere needs to be some recourse available. She asked if fireworks are legal in NH and Mr.Dill replied yes.Gordon Churchill, Collins Dr., stated that he is against the ordinance and suggested theboard propose a noise ordinance. He was informed that there is a noise ordinance andstated that someone should enforce it. He added that there does not need to be moreadministration on top of what exists. Mr. Dill explained that the current noise ordinanceaddresses noises related to loud exhausts and vehicular noises. He stated that he has beenworking with the police chief to develop something that can be enforced.Josef Grosberg, Foxcross Ln., stated that a noise ordinance would address loud cars,stereos, motorcycles. He suggested a time limit and agreed with a noise ordinance.Ms. Haskell commented that there needs to be something in place. She stated that shewas not aware that there was such a permit when she first started doing the fireworks
 
displays; however, she gets the permit every year now. She added that she hearsfireworks coming from Rte 43.Mr. Dill stated that the permit is voluntary, with the same three people applying for thepermit every year.Denise Brown, School St., stated that she feels that this is a matter of personalresponsibility. She stated that there will be people that will not follow the laws and feelsthat a noise ordinance may be more effective.Philip Fitanides, Hooksett, explained that his tenant is in the fireworks business. Hestated that a noise ordinance would need a specific time and the police department wouldneed a decibel meter. Mr. Dill replied that it depends on how the ordinance is written. Heexplained that if there is no decibel limit then there would be no need for a noise meter.Mr. Fitanides added that in towns where there is no ordinance, the people that would liketo shoot off fireworks would need to contact the fire department. He stated that there areother ways around the process and feels that this proposal is convoluted. He added thatthe proposal will create more problems than could be solved. He stated that there wouldbe no way to enforce many of the items in the proposed ordinance. He added thatfireworks can be purchased locally in stores and no photo identification is required so heasked why the need for the town to have any identification. Mr. Fitanides offered toprovide anyone with information regarding the chemicals in fireworks and what thedangers are to the environment and pollutants to water. He added that this proposal couldbe simplified for the town.Dave Tousignant, Lynn Grove Ln., stated that one reason he enjoys living on the lake isthe fireworks displays. He stated that the laws should be put forth and addressed at townmeeting.Don Peterman, owner of Sparks Fly Fireworks Chichester, stated that he is present due torequests of customers. He stated that town policies should be thought through anddetermined by residents; however, he agreed with the fact that hearing fireworks in theearly morning hours is not respectful. He explained that there is an approved list of products allowed to be sold in NH and he added that information can be providedregarding the pro-chlorates as well. Mr. Peterman stated that due to the possibility andrisks of tampering with fireworks he does not accept any fireworks to be returned. Headded that this type of ordinance would create some misadvertising and hurt the image of Northwood.Derek Zumis, Manchester, stated that it would be shameful if fireworks were stopped. Hestated that he would support the noise ordinance option and the ordinance should beaddressed to all noises. He stated that fireworks are banned in Manchester and everynight there are fireworks being shot off.Don Arsenault, Balsam Ln., stated that if the ordinance is passed that the town will needto purchase decibel meters to measure the noise and enforce the ordinance.
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