Ongoing problems with fireworks in Red Hill are pushing the borough council toward stricter regulations.

            The council considered the ordinance at their Wednesday, July 12 meeting.

            Fire Marshal John Lehr said that the state police will not do anything about problem fireworks, which underscores the need for the ordinance. Citations have been issued by Lehr in the past, but the district justice has not had grounds for prosecution without a specific ordinance.

            Lehr would like to increase the distance for setting off fireworks from 150 feet to 200 feet from an occupied building.  That would eliminate fireworks from almost all locations in Red Hill.

            Solicitor Mark Hosterman said that the borough could prohibit them completely without a permit.

            He also said that 270 feet from the launching site is considered a safe distance and limiting them to "only so many milligrams of powder."

            Council member and staff administrator Liz DeJesus said, "There are almost fist fights in my neighborhood," over the fireworks.

            In personnel news, DeJesus reported that the borough had received two qualified applications for the full-time public works position and that interviews would be held soon.

            Mayor Dave Schiffgens said that he had sworn in new council member Jimmy Brooks, who is filling the unexpired term of former member Kevin Stephenson.

            The council approved the application by Senator Tracy Pennycuick for a special event called "Dog Days of Summer" in the community park on August 5 from 10 a.m. to noon. The senator will be holding a meet and greet and a dog adoption event.

            A Williams Lane resident questioned the council about the borough joining Bird Town Pennsylvania because of the feral cat problem in sections of the borough. The cats are attacking the bird population.

            Council president Doris Decker said that there are three to four sections of the borough with ferals and added, "As long as people are feeding them, they aren't going anywhere."

            The council met in an executive session following the meeting.