Mexico voters OK acting on fireworks ban, trailer moratorium

MEXICO -- Residents on Nov. 6 approved two local questions; one to have an ordinance prohibiting the sale or use of consumer fireworks; the second to place a six-month moratorium on new or expanded mobile home parks.
The vote on the fireworks ordinance was 852-462, with the tally on the moratorium at 1,021-282.
Both questions were recommended by the Planning Board. Residents voted down the use or sale of fireworks in the town during a straw poll at the June elections.
The ordinance, which will give the police department enforcement with more teeth, include violations of use that will bring a $250 fine plus lawyer fees for the first offense, and a $500 fine plus lawyer fees for all subsequent violations.
Violation of the sale portion of the proposed ordinance could bring a fine of $500 to $1,000 plus lawyer fees for the first offense, and fines of $1,000 to $2,500 plus lawyer fees for all future offenses.
This ordinance will go into effect immediately.
The only exception to the fireworks ban is for professionals who must get state and town permits to put on a display.
The moratorium on the development or expansion of the mobile home park ordinance was brought for several reasons, including the current 13-year-old outdated document, and numerous complaints from residents about the health, safety and appearance of some parks.
Planning Board Chairman Dan Casey said some are antiquated and very close to others, which could cause fire and other safety hazards.
With the approval of the moratorium, the Planning Board will have 180 days to draft a revised mobile home ordinance. If that isn't sufficient time, Town Manager John Madigan said selectmen could enact a 180-day extension, following a public hearing.