Portales council hopes for more rain ahead of Fourth of July
May 13—Fireworks will, as of right now, be up for sale this summer in Portales. A fireworks sale ban did not go through City Council Tuesday evening, "because the state regulates that," according to city manager Sarah Austin.
"The only thing we could really do is stop the sale of aerial devices and ground audible devices, said Councilman Daniel Boan, who led the discussion. This is according to a New Mexico state statute that says a municipality or county shall not by ordinance regulate and prohibit the sale or use of any permissible firework.
Boan emphasized, however, that the sale of fireworks all depends on the amount of rain the area receives. "If we don't get any rain by the next meeting, I think we should ban aerial devices and ground audible devices."
The council must give the community 30 days' notice if they decide to put a ban on these devices, and the next meeting is scheduled for May 23.
"The city does have a no burn ban and as a city, we highly encourage citizens to use caution and remember we are in a very bad drought," said Austin.
Among other topics discussed at Tuesday's meeting, Austin said, "We do have a cleanup day and are asking for volunteers for June 3 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m." The cleanup day will be focused on alleys and adopting dumpsters to paint. Anyone wanting more information can email jmcvey@portalesnm.gov.
Councilman Chad Heflin was appointed as a board member for the Roosevelt County Community Development Corporation (RCCDC).
Fire Chief TJ Cathy noted EMS Week is coming up for May 21-27.
"It's a perfect time to honor those on the frontlines dedicated to providing emergency medical responses that save so many lives every day," Cathy said. This year's theme for EMS week is "Where Emergency Care Begins."
