HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-08/21/2017PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
August 21, 2017
4:40 p.m.
Council Chambers
Members present: Lind, Amos, Chairperson Schmitt.
Moved by Lind seconded by Amos that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes: Three.
Motion carried.
Lind/Amos Discussion of restrictions for personal usage of fireworks within city limits. Voice
vote -Ayes: Three. Motion carried.
Myke Goings provided a handout to the committee. He remarked on an aerial fireworks
explosion in his neighborhood. He further asked that the city look at the noise ordinance as it
relates to aerial fireworks. He commented that he is in favor of limiting usage to July 4th from
8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. or 11:00 p.m.
Dan Trelka, Police Chief, commented that having continuity between Cedar Falls, Waterloo, and
Evansdale, and that he is not in favor of a total ban.
Mr. Morrissey commented that he has received several emails on the topic but that they have
tapered off.
Mr. Powers commented that he has had several conversations with residents who proposed
limited use or total ban on fireworks. He further commented that limiting use to a couple of days
would be best.
Mr. Welper commented that having any kind of restriction on fireworks would be difficult to
enforce and that the state would need to reverse the decision.
Mr. Morrissey commented that at his ward meeting, it was discussed that the council and Mayor
should send a letter to the legislature to revisit fireworks and that revenue should flow to the
cities as well to help with enforcement. He further commented that coordination between
communities in the Cedar Valley is needed.
Mr. Schmitt questioned if anyone has looked at what the League of Cities has to say on the issue
of fireworks or if the city could institute a tax on the sale of fireworks.
Mr. Powers commented that the state Fire Marshal is supposed to have monies available for
education, and law enforcement to support the issue and suggested pursuing those dollars. He
further commented that he remains neutral on the issue.
Mr. Lind commented that fireworks should be severely limited on July 4th only from 6:00 p.m. to
10:00 p.m. and heavily enforce the law and nothing on New Year's Eve. He further commented
that the parameters should be sent to the City Clerk to draft an ordinance.
Mr. Amos commented that he is in favor of a restriction of fireworks not a total ban. He further
explained that he would support a one day usage similar to what Mr. Lind proposed.
Mr. Schmitt commented that the first time the discussion came up he was in favor of working
with other communities and people were passionate.
Geri Thornsberry, 704 Sheridan Road, commented that she is in favor of a one day use of
fireworks and that she is not in favor of using fireworks on New Year's Eve.
Mr. Schmitt commented that he has had conversation with representatives of both Cedar Falls
and Evansdale and each are waiting to see where Waterloo is going with the issue. He furthered
stated that he intends to have additional conversation and bring comments back to the committee
in a few weeks.
July 17, 2017
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Mr. Morrissey commented that he believes the city should restrict the sale of fireworks as other
cities have done and that this is an unfunded mandate from the cities.
Motioned by Lind, seconded by Amos, directing the City Clerk to draft an ordinance banning
personal usage of fireworks within city limits except on July 4th from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Voice vote- Three. Motion carried.
Mr. Morrissey questioned if the time could be moved out to 11:00 p.m.
Mr. Lind commented that setting the ground work on this is a good idea and it shows Cedar Falls
and Evansdale that Waterloo is moving forward on a decision.
Mr. Amos questioned if Mr. Lind's recommendation is set in stone, or could it be changed at a
later date.
Kelley Felchle, City Clerk, explained that if the motion is approved, an ordinance could be
drafted using the recommendation, which would then be brought before the Ordinance
Committee for further consideration.
Mr. Lind questioned if another city's ordinance could be used as a template for drafting this
ordinance.
Mr. Morrissey commented that the city has yet to experience what would happen in December.
Kelley explained the state allows for usage of fireworks in December through New Year's Day
but if the proposed ordinance is passed, it will restrict the usage to July 4th, within the said
parameters.
Mr. Schmitt commented that conversations he has had with certain council members from Cedar
Falls and Evansdale indicate they are allowing usage on July 3rd and 4th, and also on New Year's
eve only.
Mr. Powers questioned that since the state allows usage in December, wouldn't the city still need
to have an ordinance in place prior to December to restrict the usage.
Kelley explained that the state prohibits cities from being overly restrictive on the sale of
fireworks, but does allow for each city to restrict usage, therefore the city would need to have
something in place before December.
With no further business before the committee, it was moved by Lind seconded by Amos that the
meeting be adjourned at 5:13 p.m. Voice vote -Ayes: Three. Motion carried.
Kelley Fele ; le
City Clerk