Immediate Press Release

June 26, 2019

Reference:  July 4^th Holiday Celebrations and Fireworks

The Vincennes City Fire Department is constantly striving to keep the citizens of our community safe and informed.  With the upcoming July 4^th holiday we would like to educate the public on the rules/law(s) pertaining to the safe discharge of consumer fireworks.  The upcoming holiday is one of celebration and remembrance and we wish to keep our public safe during our celebration of independence.

Always remember the following safety tips when interacting with fireworks:

• Use extreme caution when lighting fireworks in the wind. Keep spectators where the wind is blowing smoke and debris away from them.
• Never smoke or consume alcohol when lighting fireworks.
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
• Avoid others setting off fireworks as they can backfire or shoot off in the wrong direction.
• Do not attempt to make or alter any fireworks or firework devices.
• Always have a fire extinguisher or water supply, such as a hose or bucket of water, nearby.
• Only light one firework at a time and never attempt to re-light or fix a “dud” firework.
• Be considerate of individuals with PTSD and other types of medical conditions. The noise can cause severe stress and reaction in neighbors.
• REMEMBER OUR PETS! Animals have sensitive ears and can be very frightened or stressed by the sounds and concussions of discharged fireworks.

Fireworks Laws:

• Throughout the year it is legal to set off fireworks from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., but this may be limited further by local ordinances. Citizens should check with local officials.
• On state holidays it is legal to set off fireworks from 9 a.m. to midnight, but this may be limited further by local ordinances.
• The times on the following dates are protected in Indiana for consumer use of fireworks and may not be prohibited by local ordinance:
• June 29-July 3: from 5 p.m. until two hours after sunset;
• July 4: from 10 a.m. to midnight;
• July 5-July 9: from 5 p.m. until two hours after sunset; and
• December 31: from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.
• Fireworks can only be purchased by persons 18 years of age or older.
• Fireworks use is limited to personal property, the property of someone who has approved the use of fireworks or at a location designated specifically for the use of consumer fireworks by the authority having jurisdiction.

Local Ordinance:

• 93.20  PURPOSE.

The purpose of this subchapter is to prevent the unauthorized use of fireworks which causes a public nuisance and adversely affects the city.

(Ord. 20-2014, passed 7-28-14)

• 93.21  PROHIBITION OF FIREWORKS.

(A)   Pursuant to I.C. 22-11-14-10.5 a “fireworks use ordinance” means an ordinance that regulates any of the following:

(1)   The days and hours when consumer fireworks may be used, ignited, or discharged.

(2)   The locations where consumer fireworks may be used, ignited, or discharged.

(B)   Notwithstanding any other provision of this subchapter:

(1)   A county may adopt a fireworks use ordinance covering the unincorporated areas of the county; and

(2)   A municipality may adopt a fireworks use ordinance covering the area within the corporate limits of the municipality.

(C)   A fireworks use ordinance:

(1)   May limit the use of fireworks:

(a)   In the unincorporated areas of the county if adopted by a county; and

(b)   In the municipality if adopted by a municipality;

(2)   May not be more lenient than a rule adopted by a state agency concerning the use of fireworks; and

(3)   The city specifically permits fireworks use:

(a)   Between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and two hours after sunset on June 29, June 30, July 1, July 2, July 3, July 5, July 6, July 7, July 8 and July 9;

(b)   Between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 midnight on July 4; and

(c)   Between the hours of 10:00 a.m. on December 31 and 1:00 a.m. on January 1 and at other times by special permit.

(D)   The power to enforce a noise ordinance by a county or a municipality is not affected by the county’s or municipality’s action or lack of action under this section.

(Ord. 20-2014, passed 7-28-14)  Penalty, see § 93.99

• 93.22  DEFINITIONS.

(A)   The terms CONSUMER FIREWORKS, SPECIAL FIREWORKS, and FIREWORKS shall have the same meaning as provided in I.C. 22-11-14-1, as amended.

(B)   The term BANNED FIREWORKS shall include all items listed in I.C. 22-1 l-14-8(a) as amended, or any other type of firework prohibited by federal, state or local law.

(Ord. 20-2014, passed 7-28-14)

• 93.23  DISCHARGE PROHIBITED; EXCEPTION.

(A)   Except as provided below, it is unlawful for any person to ignite, shoot off, release, discharge, use or cause to be discharged, any fireworks and/or banned fireworks within the limits of the city, or to allow another to ignite, shoot off, release, discharge, use or cause to be discharged, any fireworks and/or banned fireworks on property owned or leased by them within the limits of the city.  Notwithstanding the preceding prohibition, use of consumer fireworks and/or special fireworks shall be allowed as set out in § 93.21(C)(3)(a), (b) and (c) and public displays where a permit is granted pursuant to I.C. 22-11-14-2 or 22-11-14-3.5 and such display occurs on the days and times permitted.  Should I.C. 22-11-14-10.5(c)(3) be amended to either expand or limit the number of days and/or hours that a municipality cannot limit the use of consumer fireworks, such change shall be incorporated by reference without need to amend this subchapter.

(B)   Consumer fireworks and/or special fireworks on other dates and times as may be permitted by the city Board of Works by special request.

(Ord. 20-2014, passed 7-28-14)  Penalty, see § 93.99

• 93.24  TIMES.

The city prohibits the use of fireworks within the corporate limits of the city at all times, dates and places other than those specific times set forth in § 93.21.  Fireworks are defined by I.C. 22-11-14-1 and 22-11-14-8.  This subchapter does not prohibit the use of the following items at other times so long as they do not disturb the peace.

(A)   Items that are hand held (i.e. sparklers);

(B)   Items that are used on the ground (i.e. ground spinners, cones, fountains);

(C)   Novelty items (i.e. snakes, party poppers); and

(D)   Non-novelty items (i.e. spinning wheels, roman candles).

(Ord. 20-2014, passed 7-28-14)

• 93.25  NUISANCE; UNSAFE USE; PUBLIC/PRIVATE PROPERTY.

(A)   Use or discharge of consumer fireworks, special fireworks or banned fireworks can cause serious annoyance to citizens by loud, frequent or habitual noise, and is declared to be a public nuisance. Except as noted in § 93.21, it is unlawful for any person to conduct such activities.

(B)   The use of consumer fireworks, special fireworks or banned fireworks in an unsafe manner or in a way that results in the littering of public and/or private property is also considered a public nuisance.

(C)   Except by specific permission granted by the Vincennes Board of Public Works and Safety, it shall be illegal to use consumer fireworks or banned fireworks on public property or to use consumer fireworks, special fireworks or banned fireworks in such a manner that is reasonably likely that remnants of the consumer fireworks, special fireworks or banned fireworks will land on, litter or otherwise end up on: public property, or private property, unless the private property owner has consented and such act does not violate any other provision of this subchapter.

(Ord. 20-2014, passed 7-28-14)  Penalty, see § 93.99

• 93.26  PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY.

It shall be unlawful for anyone under the age of 18 (“minor”) to ignite, shoot off, release, discharge, use or cause to be discharged any consumer fireworks, special fireworks or banned fireworks within the limits of the city without the direct supervision of the minor’s parent, guardian or other adult person having the care, custody and control of the minor.

(Ord. 20-2014, passed 7-28-14)  Penalty, see § 93.99

• 93.27  LIABILITY FOR FIRE AND OTHER DAMAGE.

Miscellaneous Information:

The following firework statistics are taken from the Indiana State Department of Health’s 2017 Indiana Firework-Related Injury Report:

• In 2017, 77 percent of all reported firework injuries occurred from July1-7, and 39.5 percent of all firework injuries occurred on July 4.
• More than one-third of all reported firework-related injuries were to hands or fingers.
• Eye injuries accounted for 11.7 percent of the total number of injuries.
• 49 percent of the injuries were caused by firecrackers, rockets and sparklers.
• Firework use on private property accounted for 61.3 percent of reported cases.

Yours in safety of life and property

Sonny Pinkstaff

Fire Chief

Vincennes Fire Department

Please click the link below for a map and description of the modifications for the Urban Enterprise Zone boundaries:

UEZ Map

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE CITY ENGINEER

In conjunction with the Main Street Phase 1 project, Main Street from 22^nd Street to Kimmell Road will be closed during daytime hours for the next several weeks.  Crews with Kerns Excavating will be constructing the water line components of the project from approximately 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.  Through traffic will be detoured to 19^th Street to Hart Street to Kimmell Rd.

Local traffic will be allowed to access to their homes.

Vincennes Riverfront Pavilion

Rental Agreement

Name of event____________________________________

Date of event _________________  Arrival________ Departure________

Contact person____________________________________

Group/organization name __________________________

Address _________________________________________

Phone number (s) _________________________________

1) Reservations for the Vincennes Riverfront Pavilion must be made through the Mayor’s office.  Events at the Pavilion must be approved by the City Board of Works before the Mayor’s office staff will reserve the date and time.  The Board of Works meets the 2^nd and 4^th Monday of each month at 5 p.m. and the rental permission must be requested to be placed on the agenda by noon the Wednesday prior to the meeting.  Call 882-7285.

2) For events that are not open to the public and will last 6 hours or more (full day), there is a $200.00 rental fee ($214.00 with sales tax) and an additional $250.00 refundable damage deposit.  For events lasting less than 6 hours (1/2 day) the fee is $100.00 ($107.00 with sales tax) and a $150.00 refundable damage deposit. All checks should be made payable to the City of Vincennes. Rental fees and damage deposits are due no less than 30 days before the event or at the time of Board of Works approval if the event is within than 30 days.

3) A Certificate of Liability Insurance, with the City of Vincennes listed as additional insured, with a minimum of $1 Million ($1,000,000.00) in coverage, must be presented to the Mayor’s office 30 days prior to the event for the approval of the City’s insurance carrier.

4) The Board of Works reserves the right to refuse use of the Pavilion at their discretion.

5) All trash is the responsibility of the person or organization using the facility.  Trash must be removed from the Pavilion at the end of the event and disposed of properly.

6) Smoke effects, explosives, or pyrotechnics/fireworks are not permitted in the building.

7) Nothing may be attached to any part of the facility that would leave permanent damage such as nails or pins

8) Protected candles or oil lamps are permitted, however open fires (fire pit or chimineas) are strictly prohibited.

9) The garden and grounds of the Old State Bank are not included in the Pavilion rental.  To request use of those facilities, contact the State Historic Sites Office at 1-812-882-7472.

10) Any permits or licenses necessary for the sale or consumption of alcoholic beverages are the responsibility of the person or group reserving the Pavilion.

11) Inspection of the Pavilion will be done at 7:30 a.m. the day following the event.  The damage deposit will be returned provided that the Pavilion and rest rooms are left in a clean and undamaged condition. If the picnic tables are moved for the event, they must be returned to the original location by the person, group or organization that is using the Pavilion.

12) If the condition of the Pavilion is such that the damage deposit will not be returned, the renter will be notified, by letter, of the reason why such action was taken.

13) The Pavilion is to be vacated by the stated departure time.  Please allow time for cleanup.  If departure time exceeds more than 30 minutes, the damage deposit will be forfeited.

14) If city staff is called out for assistance in any event other than a true emergency, before 7 a.m. or after 4 p.m. by any person, group or organization, a $50.00 per hour fee will be charged with a $50.00 minimum.

15) The city stage is not available for private use and must have the Mayor’s office written permission for use in any public event.

The undersigned, either individually or as an authorized representative of a group or organization does hereby acknowledge that he/she has read the above agreement and hereby agrees to the terms of said agreement.

Signature _________________________________

Printed name ______________________________

Date _________________

Date event approved by Board of Works _______________________

The Vincennes Tree Board is excited to announce they are taking requests from residents for street trees to be planted on their property. A street tree is planted in the city’s right of way – the space between the sidewalk and the curb.  Tree Board members will help residents choose an appropriate size and type of tree that will be best for their location.  To request a tree, please contact Tree Board Member Ryan Lough, ryanlough@perkalawngardens.com or 812-899-5532 or Dennis Kordes at 812-895-1504.

To report a problem with a tree that is located in the city’s right of way, use the contact information listed above. Please include your name, address, phone number, location of tree, type of tree (if known) and problem with the tree: dead tree, fallen tree, tree with excessive dead limbs, lightning struck tree, heavily rotted tree, stump.

CITY OF VINCENNES RECYCLING PROGRAM

The following rules are subject to change without notice as the demand for recyclables changes in the marketplace. They apply to the city’s curbside recycling program. Recycling is picked up Monday through Friday.  If your neighborhood pickup falls on a holiday, your recycling will be picked up the following week. Recycling materials may also be taken to Republic Services, 2706 N. 2^nd Street.  Questions? Call the Street Department at 812-885-2520.

NEWSPRINT – Old newspapers are accepted, but they must be kept dry, as wet newsprint has no recycling value.

MAGAZINES – All magazines, hardback books, paperback books or telephone books are accepted.

JUNK MAIL OR OFFICE PAPER SUCH AS TYPING PAPER, COMPUTER PAPER OR ENVELOPES PLUS NEWSPAPER INSERTS ARE ACCEPTED.

GLASS – GLASS IS NO LONGER ACCEPTED

PLASTICS – All must be rinsed clean. We cannot accept plastic grocery bags or Styrofoam packing material.

TIN, STEEL and ALUMINUM CANS – All are accepted. They must be clean of all food, but labels may remain.

CARDBOARD – We accept corrugated cardboard and items made of paperboard, such as cereal boxes. Cellophane windows must be removed from boxes, as must any sort of liner. PIZZA BOXES AREN’T ACCEPTED due to contamination by sauce, grease, etc.

RULES UNIQUE TO CURBSIDE RECYCLING

TOTES – All recyclables MUST be placed curbside in the green totes available at the Vincennes City Clerk-Treasurer’s Office, 201 Vigo – cost is $5 each. Recyclables placed in boxes, bags or loose will not be picked up.

DEADLINE – All totes must be street side (never in alleys) by 7 a.m. on the appropriate day.

CARDBOARD – Must fit into the green Recycling tote.

It is not necessary to separate items.

Plastics bottles, cans, cardboard, junk mail, magazines & newspaper will be picked up all together.

Neighborhood Pickup Schedule:

Monday: Hart Street to Willow Street

Tuesday:  Hart Street to College Avenue

Wednesday: College Avenue to Weed Lane & North End Area

Thursday:  Kimmell Road to Franklin School

Friday: Eastgate Area

ACCORDING TO THE BOARD OF WORKS RESOLUTION 1-2015:

(1) Requests for each banner location…whether on North 2nd Street; College Avenue; or Hart Street…are to be no longer than for a two-week time-period.

(2) Requests for these locations should occur no sooner than three months prior to the scheduled event.

(3) Requests for banners are subject to the Mayor’s office calendar availability and with the stipulation that proper insurance requirement is secured

(4) Requests to have banners hung will be secured at regular Board of Public Works and Safety meetings with requests secured on the Wednesday prior to the next regularly-scheduled meeting date.

Preferred dimensions of banners would be 3 feet high, between 15 and 20 feet wide, grommets on top & bottom with 2-foot centers, with wind-cuts.  A Certificate of Liability insurance must be provided at least 30 days prior to the hanging of a banner in the amount of $1 million coverage with the City of Vincennes listed as an Additional Insured.

It is the responsibility of the requesting group, organization or individual to deliver the banner at least one week in advance of the date granted by the Board of Works to the Vincennes Street & Sanitation Department, 1600 Bayou Street.  The banner must also be picked up at the Street Department location at the end of the granted period.

In the event of overlapping time-period requests, the Board of Works reserves the absolute right of designation.

For more information, please call the Mayor’s office at 882-7285.

Old Gimbel Corner

Use Agreement

Name of event_____________________________________

Date of event ____________________  Arrival Time_______ Departure Time _______

Contact person_____________________________________

Group/organization name _____________________________________
Address _____________________________________
_____________________________________

Phone number (s) _______________________

1) Reservations for use of the Old Gimbel Corner must be made through the Mayor’s office. All events on the Old Gimbel Corner must be approved by the City Board of Works before the Mayor’s office staff will reserve the date and time. The Board of Works meets the 2^nd and 4^th Monday of each month at 5 p.m. and the request must be placed on the agenda by noon the Wednesday prior to the meeting.

2) For events that will last 6 hours or more (including set-up & take-down time), there is a $250.00 refundable damage deposit required. For events lasting less than 6 hours, (including set-up & take-down time) a $150.00 refundable damage deposit is required. All checks should be made payable to the City of Vincennes. Damage deposits are due no less than 30 days before the event or at the time of Board of Works approval if the event is within than 30 days.

3) A Certificate of Liability Insurance, with the City of Vincennes listed as additional insured, with a minimum of $1 Million ($1,000,000.00) in coverage, must be presented to the Mayor’s office 30 days prior to the event for the approval of the City’s insurance carrier.

4) The Board of Works reserves the right to refuse use of this property at their discretion.

5) All trash removal is the responsibility of the person or organization using the location. Trash must be removed from the Old Gimbel Corner at the end of the event and disposed of properly.

7) Smoke effects, explosives, or pyrotechnics/fireworks are prohibited on this property.

8) All materials and/or equipment desired to be placed on the Old Gimbel Corner property for any event must be made known to the Board of Works members at the time of the request.

10) Nothing may be attached to or placed on any part of this property that would cause permanent damage.

11) Protected candles or oil lamps are permitted, however open fires in fire pits or other structures are strictly prohibited.

12) Any permits or licenses necessary for the sale or consumption of alcoholic beverages are the responsibility of the person or group reserving the Old Gimbel Corner.

13) Inspection of the Old Gimbel Corner will be done at 7:30 a.m. the day following the event. The damage deposit will be returned provided that this property is left in a clean and undamaged manner.

14) If the condition of the Old Gimbel Corner is such that the damage deposit will not be returned, the renter will be notified, by letter, of the reason why such action was taken.

15) The Old Gimbel Corner is to be vacated by the stated departure time. Please allow time for cleanup. If departure time exceeds more than 30 minutes, the damage deposit will be forfeited.

16) If city staff is called out for assistance in any event other than a true emergency, before 7 a.m. or after 4 p.m. by any person, group or organization, a $50.00 per hour fee will be charged with a $50.00 minimum.

The undersigned, either individually or as an authorized representative of a group or organization does hereby acknowledge that he/she has read the above agreement and hereby agrees to the terms of said agreement.

Signature  __________________________________

Printed name ________________________________

Date ____________________

Date event approved by Board of Works _______________________