Curry to consider fire safety measures

CLOVIS - Persisting drought conditions have inspired the Curry County Commission to consider a pair of fire safety measures at today's special meeting.

The commission will hold a public hearing before taking action on a proclamation restricting fireworks sales and use.

If approved, the proclamation would prohibit the sale and use of aerial fireworks and ground audible fireworks including helicopters, aerial spinners, missile type rockets, stick type rockets, chasers and firecrackers within the unincorporated areas of the county for the next 30 days.

The proclamation also limits the approved uses of roman candles, shells and mines to areas that are paved or barren and have a readily accessible source of water.

Fire and Safety Director David Kube said drought conditions are not expected to improve before the July 4 holiday.

"It's a precautionary measure just based on the drought outlooks and drought monitors. It doesn't appear we'll get any significant precipitation between now and July 4," Kube said.

The board will also vote on renewing the county's burn ban for another 45 days.

Kube said the commission could rescind the fireworks proclamation and the burn ban in the case of significant rainfall.

Also on the agenda for today's meeting, scheduled for 9 a.m. in the commission chambers at the Curry County Administrative Complex, 417 Gidding St.:

• The board will certify the results of Tuesday's election. County Clerk Annie Hogland said she will have all of the returns available for the commission to review.

In the closest race on the ballot, incumbent Seth Martin leads challenger Dillon Lewis 158-154 in the District 4 commission seat race based on Tuesday's unofficial results.

Hogland said the few remaining hand-tally votes would not affect that race as they do not come from a precinct in District 4.

Hogland said a candidate has within six days of the completion of the canvass to file with the district court regarding a recount.

• The board will vote on a request to waive the county's purchasing policy for the extension of the concrete apron at the Broadview Fire Department.

Kube said Pattern Energy agreed to donate $10,000 to the county to pay for the apron extension, but the work was completed before a voluntary donation agreement had been signed.