Ten Sleep passes amended fireworks ordinance

TEN SLEEP – The Ten Sleep Town Council met for their regular monthly meeting on Dec. 3, and passed the modified version of a previously-introduced ordinance to allow fireworks to be discharged in town limits, during major federal holidays.

Originally introduced in September, Ordinance 219 would have amended section 4-5-3 of the Town of Ten Sleep Town code pertaining to fireworks. The original draft of the ordinance states:

“No fireworks shall be in any way fired or discharged at any time within the town, with the exception of the following dates and holidays.

— New Year’s Eve beginning at 8 a.m. on Dec. 31 until 12:30 a.m. on January 1.

— Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday, beginning at 8 a.m. on the federal holiday for Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday until 12:30 a.m. on the following day.

— George Washington’s birthday beginning at 8 a.m. on the federal holiday for George Washington’s birthday until 12:30 a.m. on the following day.

— Memorial Day beginning at 8 a.m. on Memorial Day until 12:30 a.m. on the following day.

— Independence Day celebrations beginning on July 1 at 8 a.m. until 12:30 a.m. on July 8.

— Labor Day beginning on Labor Day at 8 a.m. until 12:30 a.m. on the following day.

— Columbus Day beginning on Columbus Day at 8 a.m. until 12:30 a.m. on the following day.

— Veterans Day beginning Nov. 11 at 8 a.m. until 12:30 a.m. on Nov. 12.

— Thanksgiving Day beginning on Thanksgiving Day at 8 a.m. until 12:30 a.m. on the following day.

— Christmas Day beginning on Dec. 25 at 8 a.m. until 12:30 a.m. on Dec. 26.

It is unlawful for anyone to discharge any type of fireworks, articles or devices, at any time, on or within the areas known as Second Street, between Fir and Cottonwood and to include the area known as the town park and recreation area.”

After a petition of 47 property owners was presented to the Council last month opposing the ordinance, the town tabled the subject upon further review with the town lawyer and residents.

On Dec. 3, after some further consideration, the town voted to pass an amended version of Ordinance 219, reading as follows:

“No fireworks shall be in any way fired or discharged at any time within the town by individuals, organizations or private parties within the town, with the exception of the following dates and holidays:

•New Year’s Eve beginning at noon on Dec. 31 until 1 a.m. on Jan. 1

•Independence Day celebrations on July 2 through July 6. On July 2, July 3, July 5 and July 6, fireworks will be allowed beginning at noon daily until midnight the following day. On July 4, fireworks will be allowed beginning at 8 a.m. until midnight the following day.

The ordinance approved Dec. 3 further states “Upon such other days and times by permit approved by the town council. The issuance of such a permit shall not be construed as an assumption of liability to any degree whatsoever by the town for damage to persons or properties resulting directly or indirectly from such fireworks. Each applicant shall be deemed, upon receiving a permit, to have indemnified the town from any liability arising directly or indirectly from such firework use.”

The Town of Ten Sleep has not determined how much an individual fireworks permit would cost, at this time.