Fireworks Are On For The Fourth
By Leah Williams
The city of Nashville has decided to forge ahead on its annual plans for Independence Day, the city council decided at its regular meeting on Thursday, June 18.
Mayor Raymond Kolweier had spoken briefly about the matter at the previous council meeting. Kolweier said on Thursday evening that he would like to see the tradition continue this year, even as the region continues to bounce back from the recent months of coronavirus quarantine restrictions.
“As far as I am concerned, I hope we have them,” Kolweier said. “I think we are at a time when the country needs celebration.”
Kolweier and other city aldermen stipulated that the fireworks celebration would encourage citizens to continue to use social distancing and masks as well as other precautions to ensure safety during the special event.
“As long as distancing is concerned and they are not congregated in one big spot,” Kolweier said.
Alderman Doug Hargan agreed, adding: “I think as long as you are watching by your car, that’s social distancing.”
Nashville Police Chief Brian Fletcher addressed concerns about whether other communities were also celebrating their Fourth of July fireworks with displays.
Fletcher said he had spoken with Steve Haertling, and it seems other communities are also going ahead as previously planned.
“The firework company that he goes with also services a good majority of the towns in our area,” Fletcher said. “Initially, several towns had canceled their orders, but have since called back and said to go ahead.”
The vote to hold the Fourth of July fireworks show passed unanimously.
In other city news, the council agreed to stop its waiver of delinquent water bills, which had been in place since the spring because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Penalties and shutoffs are to resume in July, and anyone who is having trouble making payments is asked to call city hall to work out repayment arrangements.
All Trash Days saw its biggest reported numbers this spring. There were 107 people who used the service, and 25.44 tons were collected. Previous All Trash Day numbers included 104 in the Fall 2018, 72 in Spring 2019 and 53 in Fall 2019.
The next city council meeting will be held on Thursday, July 2.
