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Carmel board denies private fireworks request under ordinance, approves weddings, a 'Climb' fundraiser and a Midtown cricket watch party
Summary
The board ruled it cannot approve a private fireworks display outside dates authorized in the city's fireworks subsection of the noise ordinance, approved a wedding street use permit and granted exceptions/permits for The Climb fundraiser and a last‑minute Midtown Plaza cricket watch party after department review.
The Carmel Board of Public Works on March 4 denied a private fireworks request for Carter Green because the city's noise ordinance limits fireworks to specific authorized dates unless the ordinance itself is amended. City counsel told the board the section specifically regulating fireworks controls dates and times and that the board may not authorize an exception for a private event under the broader noise exemptions. After counsel's explanation the board voted to deny the request.
Donald Ikes of Circle City Pyrotechnic had asked for a permit for a 5–8 minute display March 7 and apologized for the late notice; city counsel said the event did not fall within the ordinance's authorized days and a city council ordinance amendment would be required even for city‑sponsored exceptions. "Our interpretation of that specific section is that the board may not authorize fireworks display within the city outside of the dates and times specifically listed in our fireworks subsection of the noise ordinance," counsel said.
The board approved other event requests. A wedding street‑use permit for June 19 at Snow Gill was approved after staff confirmed a partial, rather than full, closure and that police would assist with traffic control. Organizers Britney Debreuheil and Leila Mortizavi requested an exception for The Climb, a Postpartum Support International awareness/fundraising event, because PSI's event insurance provides $5,000 per person for medical coverage while the city's permit template asks for $300,000 per person; organizers said they carry a $1,000,000 umbrella policy plus the lower per‑person coverage and asked for an exception. After clarifying the event format (no literal climbing) and risk mitigation, the board approved The Climb permit.
Staff also presented a late request to host a Midtown Plaza cricket watch party on March 8; departments had reviewed the late submission and cleared it. The board voted to add the item and approved the event.
The board recorded voice votes for the denials and approvals and closed the meeting after addressing a final procedural question about event insurance for watch parties.
