Residents press Riverview council on neighborhood fireworks; leaders cite state law and liability

At the July 21 Riverview City Council meeting, residents urged the council to create a designated area where people could set off fireworks after complaints about fireworks being used in streets and near homes.

Fred Borra, a resident, told the council: “I just wish you could could maybe do something to get a designated area, like some of these parks where there's wide open” because he reported fireworks landing in trees and on houses in his neighborhood.

Councilmember Webb and others discussed the idea. Webb said a central place "would be a great opportunity to enjoy a safe place to light them off," and invited the community to consider a central event tied to National Night Out and public-safety personnel.

Mayor Swift and Chief Allen warned of legal and liability issues. The mayor said he believes state law generally prohibits fireworks on public property and cautioned that a central site would require monitoring, cleanup and insurance considerations. Chief Allen and other staff encouraged residents to call the police when fireworks create a safety hazard. Councilmember Randy and staff noted that the city previously convened a small internal task force that discussed the issue and that they would “dust off those notes” and consult with the city’s risk manager (MMRMA).

No formal council action or ordinance change was taken at the meeting. Council and staff directed that prior task-force notes be reviewed and that residents report hazardous fireworks activity to police so it can be addressed on a case-by-case basis.