Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Fireworks Ordinance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Aldermen decline to expand consumer fireworks dates; proposed ordinance fails
Summary
A proposed ordinance (Bill 6558) to expand allowable consumer fireworks discharge to July 2–6 failed after aldermen cited constituent opposition, ordinance drafting problems and public-safety concerns for animals and residents.
The Branson Board of Aldermen declined to approve on first reading a proposed amendment to Chapter 42 of the Branson Municipal Code (Bill 6558) that would have expanded allowable consumer fireworks discharge dates. Fire-department staff presented the proposal as a potential adjustment to align local discharge dates with the state-approved sales period.
Ted, a staff member from the Fire Department, told aldermen the amendment would expand allowable discharge dates to July 2 through July 6 to better match Missouri’s consumer-fireworks sales window. He said the change was presented as a first reading to allow further discussion and possible corrections: "This is first reading intentionally because I did not wanna do a double read next in next week so that if you see something you wanna discuss or talk through, we've got opportunities to to make corrections," Ted said.
Several aldermen and many residents objected. Aldermen cited constituent complaints about noise, the effect on pets and livestock, residents with sensory disorders and conflicts with the city's noise ordinance (which restricts noise after 11 p.m.). Glenn noted technical and drafting issues in the proposed ordinance, including references to the wrong code sections, and flagged newly enacted state law (Senate Bill 81) that may affect a local ordinance on fireworks.
Public commenters described animal welfare and health concerns, with one speaker saying his dog "trembles even with thunder" and another noting veterans with PTSD can be triggered by fireworks. Alex Williams, a TCED board member and combat veteran, thanked aldermen for not extending dates and said, "I'm glad that we're not going the other direction, and we're gonna land up on that list first." Other residents echoed concerns about pets, horses and people with sensory sensitivities.
Board members expressed strong constituent opposition: several aldermen said they had received numerous calls and texts urging them not to expand the dates. When the aldermen voted by voice, the motion to approve Bill 6558 failed. The mayor and aldermen clarified that the vote was to approve the bill on first reading; the motion did not carry and the ordinance will not advance in its current form.
Aldermen asked staff to ensure future ordinance drafts reference the correct code sections and to consider the recent state changes before bringing similar proposals back. No new effective date was set; the city's current fireworks restrictions remain in force.
