Calling state law ‘poorly conceived,’ midstate borough eyes aerial fireworks ban

Responding to pleas from about 100 residents of Spring Hill Acres, the Cornwall Borough Council this week voted in favor of advertising a proposed ordinance that would ban aerial-type fireworks from being ignited in areas of the borough zoned “forest residential,” which includes Spring Hill Acres and Iron Valley Estates.

Prior to the vote, state Rep. Frank Ryan encouraged the council to pass the ordinance.

Ryan said Act 43, which expanded the types of fireworks legal to be purchased in Pennsylvania, was “poorly conceived”  and was passed by the legislature strictly for revenue purposes. He said he voted against the bill.

Rick Clay said, “I am against anything that would create a spark in the woods. It’s an unnecessary risk to firefighters.”

Resident Pat Harris told Council she involved with an organization that trains rescue dogs to be companions for veterans who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. She said the sound of explosives ignited for recreation can have an undesirable effect on some people who have served in combat zones.

Council president John Karinch said the council did not receive a single message from anyone who supports the use of fireworks.

Councilwoman Marie Tribioli said she was in favor of banning the use of all fireworks in the borough but Ryan said, “If you start deviating from state law you’ll run into a problem.”

Mayor Mark Thomas said he enjoyed the responsible use of fireworks when he was a child.

“I fully understand everyone’s concern but I don’t want to deprive kids of this holiday fun,” Thomas said. “I do think the state will catch up with this.”

After the proposed ordinance is advertised, the council will hold a public hearing before taking a final vote on the ordinance.

Stormwater runoff

Dan Cannistraci of Steckbeck Engineering and Surveying told Council the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has changed the rules applying to Municipal Stormwater Separate Sewer System (MS4) requirements.

He said municipalities were previously responsible for the stormwater run-off that flowed through storm sewer drains and pipes. Cannistraci said DEP now wants municipalities to be responsible for the stormwater that flows off all roads, even if those roads pass through farmland or woods.

Mike Schroeder of the Quittapahilla Watershed Association asked council to pay $25,000 toward the restoration of banks along a Snitz Creek tributary that flows through Cornwall.

The tributary would be made deeper and more narrow. Council agreed to the $25,000 expenditure that will help them meet MS4 requirements of DEP.

James Peter was hired to work in the borough’s maintenance department with most of his time to be spent doing water and sewer work.