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Permit for Running Bear Campground fireworks draws safety, insurance, and legal questions
Summary
Selectboard and fire chiefs raised concerns about the Running Bear Campground’s July 4 fireworks application, citing missing insurance, a changed location, lack of site map and operator competency questions; board agreed to pursue a site visit and legal guidance from VLCT.
The Selectboard reviewed a fireworks permit application for a July 4 display at Running Bear Campground and heard concerns from Fire Chief Craig Watrous and Chief Josh Compo about missing information on the application, including the company name, proof of insurance, a new display location, and an adequate site map showing entrances and crowd controls. Chief Watrous cited statutory requirements (20 V.S.A. § 3132) governing permits.
Applicant Ross Girard told the board that "the entrances would only be closed off during the display time and only by people standing there (no barricades)" and said he was working on insurance. The board discussed whether a permit could be conditioned on proof of insurance, noted that a site visit had not been completed, and agreed that the town manager and chiefs should work with the applicant and seek a legal opinion from the VLCT Municipal Assistance Center before deciding whether to approve a permit.
