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Codington County approves emergency recognition of Watertown-issued fireworks permit for backyard show
Summary
The Codington County Board of Commissioners voted to add and approve an emergency declaration recognizing a fireworks permit issued by the City of Watertown for a show on property outside the city’s one-mile jurisdiction.
The Codington County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday added an emergency item to its agenda and approved recognizing a City of Watertown-issued fireworks permit for a Saturday fireworks show to be held on a property outside the city’s one-mile jurisdiction.
State's Attorney Allison (State's Attorney) told commissioners, “So yesterday, it came to our attention that there was a fireworks permit that was issued by the City of Watertown for a fireworks show to occur on this Saturday. That fireworks permit was issued pursuant to their authority. However, the fireworks themselves are to be lit off in the backyard of a property. That property is outside of the 1 mile radius that the city has jurisdiction over.”
The board first approved an amendment to the agenda to add the emergency declaration. Commissioner McElhaney moved to amend the agenda; Commissioner Johnson seconded. The motion carried with all voting “aye.” The board then voted to approve the permit on an emergency basis with a motion by Commissioner McElhaney and a second by Commissioner Johnson; that motion also carried with all voting “aye.”
Allison said the emergency recognition was intended to “give the city due regard for their permit on this 1 temporary, basis,” and noted that citizens had an opportunity to contest the city approval at a recent Watertown City Council meeting. County staff and the sheriff’s office confirmed the fire marshal and city had signed the permit and that a copy had been placed on file at the sheriff’s office.
A local resident identified as Jeff asked where to sign the permit and gave an address during the discussion; county staff said the documents were available and that they would ensure signatures could be collected.
The commission directed staff to review the intergovernmental communication process so similar jurisdictional misunderstandings do not recur. There was no additional formal action beyond the emergency recognition vote recorded on the meeting minutes.
The board did not identify any amendments or conditions attached to the emergency recognition. The permit as presented will remain subject to any applicable state statutes and the city’s original conditions of issuance.
