Ark Valley News - Fireworks rules appear to be effective

Fireworks rules appear to be effective
By David Dinell
Last Updated: July 09, 2015

The strict fireworks rules in Bel Aire appear to be working.

The Bel Aire City Council discussed fireworks during its July 7 meeting.

At least one council member, Ramona Becker, said she received complaints from residents about them being set off too early. However, others, including Mayor David Austin and council member Betty Martine, said that they didn't get calls.

Austin also commented that he was happy that residents took to the streets the morning after to clean up the debris.

In the past, allowing fireworks in Bel Aire was a highly charged topic, and during hearings on it in 2009, the city's chambers were packed with opponents and proponents of them.

"Not everyone is going to be happy," Austin said. "That is the sad truth. And when not everyone is happy, you try to make as many people as you can somewhat happy."

Some people say the Fourth is a time of celebration and deserves to be marked with fireworks, Austin said, while others say the noise is not worth it and disturbs their sleep and pets.

The ordinance allowing an extended selling period but a restricted firing-off period — only allowing them to be used on the Fourth — seems to work well, he said.

"The way the law is written, it's the perfect compromise," he said.

Austin admitted that the law wasn't followed perfectly as he still heard fireworks before and after what the law permitted. However, violations were not widespread, he said.

"A lot of people are pretty respectful of that (ordinance)," he said. Also, Bel Aire restricts those setting off fireworks to people 14 or older. Those under 14 must be supervised by an adult.

Fireworks help the city financially, as Austin reports that it took in $12,000 from three permit fees charged to fireworks retailers in the city limits. It has room for four tents, so it would be even more if another retailer signs up in the future.

One outlet was a tent operated by the Bel Aire Lions Club. Council member Guy MacDonald, who also is part of the club, reported that he received numerous compliments from consumers about the way the club uses its proceeds for civic projects.

"There are no administrative costs," he said. "Every cent we make goes back to the community."

While he put in about 30 hours of service at the tent, he said club officer and former mayor Gary O'Neal logged long hours, even working until the early hours of the morning a few times. He also said the club is open for a new project using the funds.

"Just let us know and we'll consider it," he said.

No major issues in Valley Center

Though Fourth of July revelers were out in force during the past week, officials in Valley Center reported no major issues related to the celebrations.

Fire Chief Lonnie Tormey said the department responded to two minor grass fires, both related to fireworks. There was no significant damage and no one was hurt, he said.

Tormey said he did confiscate some illegal fireworks from a stand at 69th North and Meridian. When he learned the stand was selling floating lanterns, he responded to the location and picked them up.

The city banned the firework after it was blamed for a field fire in northwest Valley Center in 2012.

"I saw a half dozen fly over my house (this year)," said city council member Lou Cicirello, who lives near the field that caught fire. "… I didn't want that field on fire again, thank you."

— Chris Strunk