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Selectboard conditionally approves Running Bear Campground fireworks permit amid policy confusion
Summary
After hours of discussion about who has authority to approve fireworks permits, the Selectboard authorized the chair to sign the Running Bear Campground application and forward it to the Fire Chief; the permit requires a two-inch maximum shell, insurance binder and competency letter before final approval.
The Weathersfield Selectboard on June 22 conditionally authorized the chair to sign the Running Bear Campground fireworks application and forward it to the Fire Chief for final approval.
Board members debated who holds final authority after structural changes to local fire departments and noted ambiguities between the Town’s fireworks policy and state law. Chief Josh Compo told the board he had previously asked for a review of the policy and remained uncomfortable setting a precedent without that review: "I had no issues with the policy, but I had voiced the need for the policy to be reviewed a year ago, and it still hadn’t been done." The application includes a maximum shell size of two inches, a requirement that an insurance binder be provided to the Town Manager and chair, and a notarized letter attesting to the operator's competency; a rescue truck was also reported as lined up for the event.
Mrs. O’Brien moved to authorize the chair to sign the Running Bear application; the motion was seconded by Ms. Henderson and, after one member exited the Zoom meeting, carried 4–0–1. Mr. Todd said the decision "would now proceed to the Fire Chief for final approval," and that final signatures would follow receipt of the insurance binder and completed paperwork. The board discussed whether the town attorney and VLCT had been consulted about statutory authority for permitting and whether the current town policy should be repealed or revised to reflect recent departmental changes.
The permit is scheduled for July 4, 2026, and the Selectboard’s conditional approval means the display can proceed only after the Fire Chief signs off and required documentation is received.
