Council votes to develop local fireworks ordinance; staff to coordinate with police and ordinance committee

Bellefonte Borough Council voted to direct staff and the ordinance/finance committees to develop a local fireworks ordinance after members expressed concerns about public‑safety risks, smoke and late‑night fireworks in residential areas. Council member Deb explained that state law creates a 150‑foot radius restriction around any building or vehicle, which the borough said effectively leaves no safe place for legal consumer fireworks within borough limits. She suggested a local ordinance prohibiting consumer fireworks within the borough and noted the ordinance could include a fine of up to $500 to provide enforceable penalties. Several members said enforcement resources are limited and suggested coordinating with the police department; Chief Whitmer and other staff were asked to be involved in drafting. Council voted to send the issue to the ordinance review process (finance/ordinance committees) and to consult with Chief Whitmer and the borough solicitor in drafting enforceable language that complies with state law and municipal authority under Act 74. No specific penalty schedule or restricted dates were adopted at the meeting; the motion was to develop an ordinance for council consideration.