Mavericks who previously set off fireworks in Lehighton may want to reassess their actions moving forward.

On a 5-0 vote, borough council on Monday adopted its updated fireworks ordinance. Councilwoman Autumn Abelovsky and Councilman Darryl Arner were absent.

Councilman Donnie Rehrig expressed his appreciation toward all those who worked on the ordinance.

“Thanks for everybody that worked on it,” Rehrig said. “Hopefully moving forward, we won’t have (as many issues).”

Mayor Clark Ritter said Detective Matt Arner will lead the Neighborhood Crime Watch, and added they will try to expand it from South Second Street.

Rehrig thanked Ritter for selecting Arner to lead the cause.

“He knows the drug problem, he knows the gang problem,” Rehrig said. “That’s a good choice.”

The ordinance regulates the issuance of a permit for the possession and use of fireworks, establishes a permit fee, and provides for penalties for violations.

That means it is unlawful to possess or use display fireworks or consumer fireworks without obtaining a permit from the borough.

Anyone who applies for a permit must complete an application form and provide their name and address; time and place of planned display of fireworks; name and credentials of pyrotechnician; bonding/insurance information; and fireworks types which will be displayed.

Fees for violation of the ordinance range from $500 to $1,000 for a first offense, and no less than $1,000 for a second and subsequent offense.

Lehighton continues to make strides in its quest to update its fireworks ordinance one month after residents sounded off with concerns about the issue.

In August, council agreed to send revisions for its prior fireworks ordinance to borough solicitor Jim Nanovic for proper verbiage.

A petition with about 35 signatures was previously presented to the borough.

To report a fireworks issue, residents need to dial the Carbon County Communications Center’s nonemergency line at 570-325-9111.

At council’s July meeting, Ritter suggested that a Neighborhood Crime Watch be started in which residents would take down a description of the person and the vehicle.

The borough previously posted on its website a reminder to residents of the fireworks law in Pennsylvania, and that it plans to enforce the state fireworks law to address the issue of fireworks being set off in the borough.