Fireworks For The Tercentenary?

By Jan Howard

The Board of Selectmen on November 3 discussed a question raised by the Newtown Tercentennial Commission regarding a possible fireworks display during the town’s celebration in 2005.

Selectman Bill Brimmer, a member of the Tercentennial Commission, raised the question of whether a fireworks display would be allowed since the town prohibits such displays.

It was noted that an exception would be needed for the one-time event. The selectmen agreed to look into how a fireworks display would be allowed.

“It’s not an insurmountable problem,” First Selectman Herb Rosenthal said.

The board also agreed that the Newtown Tercentennial Commission would be able to consult the town attorney if the need arises.

The board also accepted Pumpkin Lane and Cornfield Ridge Road in Cornfield Ridge Subdivision into the town road system.

Mr Rosenthal also discussed with Town Engineer Ronald Bolmer a concern about sight lines at phase two of Walnut Tree Village, noting it is difficult to see oncoming traffic because of shrubbery at the intersection.

Mr Rosenthal reported that the town has received $92,000 from the state’s town aid road fund, $170,000 less than last year, and the second year in a row that the town’s road funds have been cut.

This is down considerably from the approximately $262,000 the town received from the state in the past.

“Last year it was a midyear cut,” he said. For this budget year, the town planned for the decrease in revenue from the state, he said.

“We’ve been cut about $350,000 over the last two years,” Mr Rosenthal said. The funding from the state comes in two payments, he said, for unimproved and improved roads.

In other business, the Board of Selectmen appointed Paula Stephan to the Cultural Arts Study Committee. Other members of the committee include Joe Grasso, Sherry Paisley, Brigette Sorenson, and Jennifer Johnson.