AUGUSTA — The city may ban fireworks Thursday.

Prompted by concerns of Fire Chief Roger Audette and some councilors, the City Council is poised to take a final vote on a proposal to ban their sale and use anywhere in the city.

Joining those concerned that residents, especially children, would be hurt if the city allows fireworks, Councilor Edward Coffin said he remembers well when Maine banned fireworks in the 1940s, and why.

“People were losing fingers, arms, everything,” Coffin said. “I hate rules like anybody else, but I believe we’ll be saving eyes and fingers if we pass this thing.

“I’m dead set against having the sale and use of fireworks without any rules whatsoever, because I’ve lived it.”

A new state law will allow consumer fireworks in Maine for the first time in decades, starting Jan 1. Municipalities may regulate and ban fireworks within their borders.

Augusta’s City Charter states ordinances take effect 30 days after final passage.

Audette said he is passionate about the issue because he has been on fire calls in which innocent people were hurt by others acting irresponsibly.

Also, he said, if fireworks are allowed in Augusta, dealing with injuries or fires caused by the colorful explosives would take the time of already-overburdened firefighters, potentially leading to longer response times to other emergencies if they occur at the same time.

At a previous council discussion about fireworks, residents said banning them would go too far and would prevent a retailer from providing jobs in Augusta.

“I understand you don’t want fireworks to be set off right next to homes, but to have a blanket ban is not needed,” resident Corey Wilson said. “If they’re illegal, that’s going to take away any of the business we may have attracted. It may not be the ideal industry, but it is industry, and will give somebody a job in the city; and there are people here who need jobs.”

Mayor William Stokes suggested the city could ban fireworks for now to be ready for the state law change in January; then, if desired, could consider lifting the ban in the future, after having more time to consider regulations and view how other municipalities deal with the issue.

Councilors are scheduled to meet at 7 p.m. Thursday in council chambers at Augusta City Center.

Also Thursday, councilors will consider asking the Planning Board to add aquaculture as an allowed use in the city’s Rural Residential zone and to make a recommendation back to councilors.

City Manager William Bridgeo said Joe Sutton, owner of the Uncle Henry’s periodical, owns a large parcel of land off outer Eastern Avenue where he is considering putting in a facility to process imported mussels.

Such work is not currently allowed in that zone, so Sutton asked councilors to initiate the process of changing the zoning in that area.

Councilors also may consider authorizing Bridgeo to contract for demolition and improvements to Market Square, not including the construction of new bathrooms, at a cost not to exceed $120,000; and to recognize Cony High School students of the month for September.

Keith Edwards — 621-5647

kedwards@centralmaine.com

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