The newly approved Iowa law allowing the sale and use of fireworks has resulted in an estimated tripling, and possibly even quadrupling, of applications for fireworks permits within the county. At Monday morning’s Carroll County Board of Supervisors meeting, the group discussed a new request from a private individual for a road closure during a fireworks display that will not be taking place until July 29. County Engineer, Dave Paulson, says that Paul Schumacher asked to have Orange Ave., to the southeast of Carroll, closed off for at least a half hour during the use of professional-grade fireworks. Since this is a private display, supervisor Rich Ruggles says he does not believe they want to set a precedent.
Chair Gene Meiners questioned the reason for the request.
Paulson says he believes that the request is being made in the essence of safety as it may be a distraction for potential travelers on that stretch of roadway during the display. He adds that the only time that closures have been approved by the county has been for public fireworks.
Dean Schettler adds the reason the roads are closed in those instances is because of the possibility of drift and they don’t want cars parked or people watching fireworks in those locations. Neil Bock and Marty Danzer also expressed hesitation with opening this door for other private fireworks. There was no action taken on the closure request as of yet, and the supervisors all agreed to bring it back for discussion and a decision at a future meeting.
