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Aldermen reject special fireworks permit after debate over pets, PTSD and notification
Summary
The Board rejected resolution 1476 — a request to allow a neighborhood fireworks display — after several aldermen raised concerns about notification, vulnerable residents and who would bear responsibility for outreach.
The Smithville Board of Aldermen voted 5-1 to deny a resolution authorizing a specific fireworks display application, following multiple aldermen raising questions about notification, people with health conditions and pets.
Alderman Atkins moved to approve resolution 1476; the motion failed on a roll-call vote with only Alderman Stone voting in favor. Alderman Russell, who spoke at length against approving this application, said he had "received several emails and also, calls on this and text about it" from residents concerned about PTSD triggers, hearing disorders and pets that are distressed by fireworks. "The pets that, personally, is down my street has a very big time at on July 4 when they basically sedate their animals," Russell said as an example of impacts constituents reported.
Other aldermen said a permitted, professional display might be acceptable if notification and other safeguards were required; one alderman suggested organizers should be responsible for notifying surrounding subdivisions and that the city could issue a "did you know" advisory on social media but not assume organizer duties. City Administrator Wagner noted that the city currently treats such events as a fire department (policy) issue rather than an ordinance item and that commercial venues such as White Iron Ridge have notification protocols and must have the shooter/pyrotechnician coordinate with the fire department for review.
During discussion aldermen asked staff to return with proposed policy changes. The board directed staff to review the fireworks policy and consider whether to add parameters and notification requirements for future permit applications; members discussed borrowing notification practices used by commercial venues.
Roll call on resolution 1476: Alderman Stone — aye; Aldermen Atkins, Russell, Wilson, Kabilski and Hartman — no. Tally: 1 aye, 5 no; motion failed.
After the vote staff said they would bring the existing fireworks/fire policy back for review and possible revision.
