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City council bans ‘consumer’ fireworks use

No bottle-rockets or fire-crackers

KONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERA

The Marshalltown city council voted unanimously 7-0 at Monday night’s council meeting to prohibit use of “consumer” fireworks such as bottle-rockets. fire-crackers and other exploding products.

Locals are also prohibited from shooting-off “display” fireworks.

Councilors passed the ordinance which goes into effect June 1, specifically “prohibiting the use of consumer fireworks and display fireworks as described in Section 727.2 in the Code of Iowa.”

Marshalltown Fire Chief David Rierson told the council and television viewers bottle-rockets, fire-crackers and any kind of exploding fireworks are “consumer” fireworks.

He defined “display” fireworks as those used by pyrotechnical professionals at July 4th, New Years Eve, and other major celebratory events.

“Display fireworks are controlled by professionals who are trained in their use,” he said. “They are required to submit proof of insurance, a list of display fireworks they will use and meet other stipulations before the city issues a permit.”

The city’s July 4th fireworks event will go on as planned, since they are ignited by professionals following the stipulations Rierson referenced.

Still legal for use locally are “novelty” fireworks, such as “poppers” snakes and sparklers.

Those items are already on Marshalltown retailer’s shelves.

Rierson defined those as “non-exploding novelties.”

Their sale and use has been allowed for decades.

Councilors also debated the issue at length at the May 8 meeting when it was a discussion item only — meaning no vote could be taken.

Rierson repeated his concern Monday night exploding fireworks had the potential to cause residential fires and personal injuries.

Mayor Jim Lowrance said he had received calls from residents urging the ban to protect veterans, pets, and PTSD sufferers.

Second ward councilor Joel Greer said every constituent who contacted him urged him to vote against their use, and he made the motion to ban which was seconded by fourth ward councilor Al Hoop.

Both objected to use of consumer fireworks saying they would cause personal injuries and fires.

Rierson repeated the state’s newly signed law allowing sale of “consumer” fireworks “as a no-win situation” for Marshalltown and other Iowa cities who decide to prohibit use.

In direct contrast, Gov. Branstad recently signed into law a bill legalizing consumer fireworks sales in Iowa after decades of prohibition.

It was approved only after contentious debate in the last legislative session.

Put simply, it will allow sale of consumer fireworks statewide from June 1 to July 8, and from Dec. 10 to Jan. 3.

Proponents pointed to an estimated $1.5 million in sales tax revenues from fireworks sales to bolster Iowa’s underperforming tax revenue stream.

Supporters said annually, thousands of Iowans were buying consumer fireworks legal in neighboring states Missouri and Wisconsin.

They also claimed opponents were “overstating” their concerns on injuries and fires.

“I lived and worked in a state for 21 years which allowed fireworks and saw the consequences — fires and injuries,” Rierson said at the May 8 meeting. “Obviously, I am not in favor of this bill. It will cause chaos.”

The new law is expected to make for more challenges for MFD and Marshalltown Police Department.

Also the May 8 meeting, Chief Mike Tupper said fireworks enforcement would be an issue for patrol officers who are busy with other duties, especially during summer months.

First ward councilor Dan Kester asked if the ordinance can be amended.

City attorney Roger Schoell told the council it could be amended any time.

Gene Beach Drive named

Councilors unanimously approved naming a portion of East Nevada Street off 18th Avenue Gene Beach Drive.

Fittingly, the roadway leads up to the security gate of the brand new, mammoth, $650-million dollar facility which went online April 1.

It now serves thousands of Alliant customers with electricity powered by natural gas and steam throughout its extensive territory.

In a touching and emotional moment, Lowrance presented Kay Beach — spouse of the late Beach — a large white on green sign reading Gene Beach Drive.

The late Mayor Beach was a strong proponent of local economic development.

“Gene was a strong supporter of the Marshalltown Generating Station,” said Lowrance. “He and others from the MEDIC team, led by At-Large Councilor Leon Lamer, were instrumental in Alliant Energy selecting Marshalltown as the site. It was a 12-year process, and Marshalltown had to beat out strong competition to get to be selected.”

Lowrance said Alliant Energy officials enthusiastically endorsed the street name change.

He publicly announced the Gene Beach Drive proposal at a May 15 grand opening hosted by Alliant, and the crowd erupted in extended applause.

The next regular meeting of the city council is 5:30 p.m. June 12, in council chambers, Carnegie Building, 10 W. State St. For more information, contact 641-754-5701, or visit ci.marshalltown.ia.us.

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Contact Mike Donahey at 641-753-6611 or mdonahey@timesrepublican.com

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