Board discusses increasing funding for Briar Brook fireworks and carnival for 250th anniversary

At the May 5 meeting members raised the city's customary contribution for the Briar Brook fireworks show and carnival in light of the city's 250th anniversary. The clerk noted the city donated $3,500 last year; other members referenced different past amounts and suggested the celebration might warrant additional support this year.

Discussion was exploratory: one member suggested the show be larger for the anniversary and floated the idea of increasing the city's contribution, while staff said they would prepare numbers and return with a recommendation. "I can set that before you by the end of the week," staff said when asked to provide a proposed amount. No motion to allocate funds was passed at the meeting.

Members also discussed operational details for the carnival (road closures and setup/tear-down schedules) and noted neighbors' concerns about moving the carnival site; staff confirmed the event will be on Main Street with closures from the intersection down to Water Street and that vendors set up starting Monday prior to the event.