Jamestown (CSi) – During the August 19, 2014 Special Meeting, the Jamestown City Council discussed the topic of fireworks, to possibly reduce the time and duration to detonate fireworks, and whether to put it to vote at the next election.  The meeting  aired live and replays on CSi Channel 67.

Take our unofficial poll – revised to Yes or No, to change or not,  to mirror the proposed  November ballot vote. 


 

Our previous poll had 4 questions, but now the City has decided to put it on the ballot, the matter is no longer in their hands. 

*on July 4th, the time could extend to 1AM July 5, as it currently does.   Under current ordinance, days permitted are:  June 27 – July 5, 9am to midnight, except on 4th, extended to 1am July 5,  and December 31.   See Ordinance No. 1405,  PDF posted online.

At the August 4, 2014, City Council meeting the Council voted unanimously to place on the Special City Council meeting agenda, further discussion of placing the language on the November 2014 election ballot including sales and use of fireworks, based on Council Member Buchanan’s motion of dates and times.

City Attorney Dalsted drafted language of ballot.

From the audience, August 19, Gail Martin spoke and said the fireworks amendment is not needed, being “a minor thing,” and the Council needs to step up and make a decision.

Owner of Fantastic Fireworks, Corey Bayer spoke and presented the CsiNewsNow.com poll which indicated that 45% of the respondents wanted the present fireworks Ordinance to stay as is, which he still supports. He indicated other noises in the community such as barking dogs.

Danielle Schmidt said the poll indicated 56% of those taking part in the CSi survey indicated wanting a change of some sort of the Ordinance.

Lucas Keller a fireworks seller, said the issue is about keeping freedoms.

Ms. Schmidt responded by saying residents have a right to not have the fireworks noise.

An audience member believes the issue should come to a vote.

Mayor Andersen again stated, that she is not in favor on changing the present Ordinance.

Council Member Kourajian favored the Council making a decision.

Mayor Andersen said on the ballot, a YES vote would be in favor of the limitations outlined, a NO vote would mean the voter does not favor limiting the use and detonation of fireworks.

The ballot language: An Ordinance to amend & re-enact a Section of the City Code, to allow fireworks sale and detonation from July 1 thru July 5, from Noon to 11:00 PM, with the exception of July 4, from Noon to 1:00 AM.

At Tuesday’s meeting, the motion to put the issue to a vote was passed on a 3-1 vote with Mayor Andersen, Council Member Gumke, and Council member Brubakken in favor of the ballot measure. Council Member Kourajian voting opposed.

 

Previously reported on CSiNewsNOW.com:  At its August 4th regular meeting, the Council approved adding to the agenda, the city fireworks Ordinance for discussion purposes moved by Council Member Buchanan.  Mayor Andersen was concerned that the topic without previously notice to the public, would not allow public discussion on the issue.

Buchanan moved the Ordinance be amended concerning the use and detonation only of legal fireworks.  His proposal is to allow from July 1-5 each year.

July 1-4 from 12 noon to 11-p.m., and until 1-a.m., on July 5th then from noon to 11-p.m., on the 5th.

Council Members Gumke and Brubakken suggested placing the issue of fireworks on the November 2014, election ballot.

The City Council denied the amendment to the City Ordinance with Council Members Andersen, Gumke and Brubaken voting in opposition on a 3-2 vote .

The Council then voted unanimously  to place on an August 19, 2014 Special City Council meeting agenda, further discussion of placing  the language on the November 2014 election ballot including sales and use of fireworks, based on Buchanan’s motion of dates and times.

If the Council votes to place a question on the November election ballot, it must be filed no later than September 5, 2014.

If the amendment is approved by voters it would be in effect for two years, no not able to be changed until that time by the City Council.