Date: 18 June, 2020
To: Village of Maple Bluff Residents
From: Village Administrator / Chief of Police
Subject: Community Message - 4th of July
Dear Residents,
As we all prepare for the 4th of July holiday weekend, I want to take a minute to share some pertinent information with you.
First, the village center will be closed on Friday, 3 July, in observance of the holiday. We are grateful to give our staff some much needed time off and wish everyone a Happy Independence Day! As always, our police and fire departments will be on-duty to ensure our community’s safety.
The annual Fest on the 4th has been canceled. In alignment with Forward Dane and other guidance from Madison and Dane County Public Health, we have a responsibility to discourage mass gatherings and reinforce the health and safety of our community. We are coordinating with vendors in hope that a fall event will be suitable for fireworks and less restrictive social interactions.
Our police officers receive a number of noise complaints on and around the 4th of July for fireworks. With our local fireworks cancelled, we certainly understand the desire to celebrate. However, the Village of Maple Bluff does not issue permits to discharge fireworks in our community. Under Wis. Stat. § 167.10(1), state law allows the sale, possession and use, without a permit, of sparklers not exceeding 36 inches in length, stationary cones and fountains, toy snakes, smoke bombs, caps, noisemakers and confetti poppers with less than ¼ grain of explosive mixture. These are the only kinds of fireworks authorized for use within the Village. In accordance with Wis. Stat. § 167.10(3), possessing or using any other fireworks, including, for example; firecrackers, roman candles, bottle rockets and mortars is illegal without a valid permit. As you celebrate, please be considerate of how noise may disturb your neighbors and others in our community.
Lastly, our Police Department is participating in the Click It or Ticket campaign from June 22nd to July 5th. While they enforce traffic violations to reduce the likelihood of accidents, common and accepted practices in our community remain one of the most important ways our roads stay safe. Please continue to do your part by being courteous motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Driving the posted speed limit, coming to a complete stop at stop signs, yielding to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks, driving attentively, and approaching intersections with caution help ensure everyone’s safety. Pedestrians can help by walking on a sidewalk when available, facing oncoming vehicles if in the street, and being alert to vehicle traffic. Bicyclists are obligated to follow all traffic laws and should be alert to other traffic; especially during times of reduced visibility. With everyone’s help we hope to ensure this is a safe summer for everyone.
Sincerely,
Tanner A. Nystrom
Administrator / Chief of Police
Village of Maple Bluff
18 Oxford Place
Madison, WI. 53704
Work: (608) 244-3048
Desk: (608) 230-7654
tnystrom@villageofmaplebluff.com
