The Culver Town Council members revisited the fireworks special event permit request for the residents of Culver submitted by the Culver Chamber of Commerce last week.
The council members voted 3-2 last week to deny the permit amid concerns surrounding public health and safety. Council members Rich West, Bill Githens and Bill Cleavenger voted to deny the permit while Ginny Bess Munroe and Sally Ricciardi opposed the vote.
Council member Rich West stated that he asked to have it on the agenda Tuesday night as he wished to change his vote concerning the permit request. He stated that he remains concerned about the public health and safety during this uncertain time. After more thought, he said, with most of the restrictions released statewide on the Fourth of July, he wanted to support the permit and the effort of the Chamber, and by extension, the local businesses. Based on the plan that the Chamber put forth in the special event permit request, West made another motion to approve the special event permit request.
Council President Ginny Bess Munroe clarified that the permit request did have the cost for security at the Town Park covered by the Chamber should be there be a large crowd at the Town Park. She said after the council’s denial of the request last week the council members voted unanimously that the town pay for the security and suggested that amendment be a part of the motion. The motion passed with that amendment with Rich West, Ginny Bess Munroe and Sally Ricciardi in favor of the motion and Bill Cleavenger and Bill Githens opposed to the motion.
Council member Bill Githens said the local DNR officer has approved the Chamber’s DNR permit request to discharge the fireworks on barges on Lake Maxinkuckee and now it will move to Indianapolis for a final consideration and signature.
Munroe noted that the Chamber representatives have put together signs to encourage social distancing that will be placed in the park and other locations to ensure that everyone observes that recommendation put forth by the town, the Marshall County Health Department, and the state.
Culver Town Marshal Wayne Bean is working to obtain the necessary security for the event.
