Rumford, Mexico voters act on fireworks issue

RUMFORD/MEXICO -- Voters in Rumford and Mexico acted on articles dealing with the fireworks issue on June 12.

Last summer, Maine repealed the fireworks ban and allowed municipalities to propose their own ordinances for fireworks.

In Rumford, citizens voted 648-397 in favor to allow personal use of fireworks, but requiring retail outlets to be permitted by the town.

In Mexico, residents voted 189-169 to restrict the sale of fireworks in the town, and voted 184-173 to restrict the use of fireworks in the town.

To clarify, Mexico Town Manager John Madigan said these articles will likely be interpreted as meaning that citizens wish for an ordinance to be developed by the Board of Selectmen and Planning Board. Such an ordinance would likely be voted upon during the November referendum.

Until that time, the state law regarding fireworks is in effect.

Also in Rumford, citizens approved a measure by 617-410 to establish a Charter commission to either revise the Charter or establish a new Charter.

In the only non-binding advisory referendum, voters approved by 566-479 to support connecting Lincoln Avenue to Swain Road in the area west of the bridge that washed out last August from Tropical Storm Irene. The Lincoln Avenue extension of 930 feet would provide another access to Swain Road.

Rumford voters approved these eight ordinance amendement:

* Regulating domestic animals.

* Allowing selectmen to enter into multiyear contracts and grants.

* Amending the hawkers and peddlers, and taxi cab license regulations.

* Changing the dates for filing nomination papers.

* Adopting a Property Assessed Clean Energy ordinance that would allow low-interest loans for energy-saving projects.

* Exempting active duty military personnel who are residents of Rumford from excise taxes.

* Authorizing a Charter Commission.

* Providing a nonbinding opinion on whether to extend Lincoln Avenue.