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Council adopts ordinance aligning local fireworks rules with state law, raises insurance requirement
Summary
On third reading the council amended Decorah Municipal Code section 8.12.020 to align permitted discharge days and hours with recently effective state law (Senate File 303) and increased a referenced insurance minimum from $1 million to $2 million; the ordinance passed on final reading with one dissenting vote.
The council conducted the third reading and adopted an ordinance amending section 8.12.020 of the Decorah Municipal Code to align local fireworks exemptions and permitted discharge hours with a recently effective state law.
Staff explained that Senate File 303, effective July 1, preempts local prohibitions and sets permitted discharge windows: July 3, 9 a.m.–10 p.m.; July 4, 9 a.m.–11 p.m.; and Dec. 31, 9 a.m.–Jan. 1, 12:30 a.m. The proposed ordinance also updates a referenced insurance minimum in the code from $1,000,000 to $2,000,000.
Action and vote: Councilmember Chisel moved for adoption; the motion was seconded and carried on a roll call vote with one member voting no (Neal) and the remaining members voting aye.
What this means: The municipal code will reflect the state statute's permitted dates and times for fireworks discharge; local prohibition of consumer fireworks is not allowed in the windows established by state law.
