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Bainbridge preps for July 4th, ups ante
BAINBRIDGE -- Pleased with the growing success of its annual fireworks show, proclaimed by many Bainbridge residents and officials as “the best in the state,” the small Putnam community has once again increased its fireworks budget in efforts to wow crowds both near and far.
Easily observed from other rural locations such as Roachdale and Heritage Lake, the Bainbridge fireworks show will again be made possible by Mortonville Fireworks as well as other dedicated citizens who have utilized the town budget and recent fundraisers to increase the overall donation to the local fireworks shop.
Such dedicated citizens comprise the Bainbridge Improvement Society (BIS), a locally-based philanthropic group committed to Bainbridge’s betterment through fundraisers and clean-up efforts. The group recently brought in more than $1,200 through the use of a barbecue catered by local favorites Brian and Cherie Smith of DD’s BBQ.
“We had a barbecue fundraiser in April,” Burlingame said, “and our goal was to get donations for the fireworks show (to donate) from the BIS. Thanks to (the Smiths) most awesome barbecue, we were able to raise this money.
“As a side note, (the Smiths) will be setting up across the street for the Fourth of July, so there’s going to be some great barbecue by the highway for the show.”
Board President Jerry Lents spoke highly of the show, saying he is looking forward to improving on 2016’s performance and even informed those in attendance that some residents have taken to boarding their pets outside of Bainbridge for the night as many pets can become scared or anxious from the aerial explosions.
“It’s loud,” Lents emphasized. “And the town is plumb full -- literally full. They park cars through all the additions and hundreds and hundreds of people come. I mean my driveway is always full.”
In 2015, the town’s fireworks show was ranked number three in the state, according to the town board. At that time, only a $1,500 donation to Mortonville Fireworks was given. That amount was increased in 2016 to $2,500 and has further increased to $3,000 this year, setting the bar for 2017 to be even larger.
The 2017 fireworks festival for Bainbridge is set to begin at dusk on Saturday, July 1 at East Point Park, located at the intersection of U.S. 36 and Main Street, Bainbridge.
For more information about the event, persons may contact Bainbridge Town Hall at 522-6238.
In other business:
• A Utility Board report was given by Chad Oliver, who said: Utility crews have completed a recent water tower inspection, which went well; annual gas valve inspections are nearing completion and only a few valves have required attention; streets have been paved; duckweed-control chemicals have been received and will soon be applied at the sewage lagoons; and smoke testing has been completed, resulting in a “few very minor ruptures,” including one located across the street from Putnam County Healthcare and one on Circle Drive.
• President Lents and Clerk-Treasurer Monica Bray spoke briefly about the town’s agreement with HWC Engineering and its street paving. “The goal next year is to pave Main Street,” Lents said, citing that paving for 2017 was done early and that the budget will remain the same for 2018.
• Ordinance 2017-2 was approved, allowing the “flag building” near Town Hall to be rezoned from B3-Business District to B2-Business District. At a meeting held on April 26, the town council and Planning Commission gave favorable recommendations to resident Cynthia Richard and Ron Fultz, whose building sits at 400 W. Pat Rady Way. The petition for rezoning will go before the Zoning Board next for ultimate approval.
• Ordinance 2017-3, a controversial revision of utility-debt liability between the town and property owners who let rooms or houses (landlords), was tabled until July.
• A quote for eight security cameras was recently received, which is a 100-percent increase from four cameras at the June public session (as requested by the board), was undisclosed due to further information needed before approval.
• Claims for the month of May were approved without public disclosure.
• The next regularly-scheduled public session for the town of Bainbridge is set for Wednesday, July 12 beginning at 6:30 p.m. within Town Hall, located at 201 N. Grant Ave., Bainbridge.