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Board approves fireworks displays; one permit held pending updated insurance
Summary
The supervisors approved fireworks display permits, but required updated insurance for one applicant whose policy had expired. Board members discussed state law changes and coordination with EMA for burn bans.
The Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors approved permit applications for multiple display fireworks events but delayed one permit until the operator supplies updated insurance documentation.
Officials approved Ryan Rogers’ permit for a June 28 display at 15259 200th and 14th Street in Council Bluffs after staff confirmed required materials were in place. The board also considered a July 4 permit from Robert Caputo for 22813 Bridge Road, Council Bluffs; staff reported Caputo’s submitted insurance had expired on June 19, 2025.
“They submitted expired insurance to us and we made a bunch of attempts … we have not received any notification,” a staff member reported. A supervisor moved to approve the Caputo permit “pending updated insurance, especially if he's in the hospital,” and the board approved that condition. Staff set a deadline of updated insurance by July 1 for the Caputo permit to remain valid.
Nut graf: The board granted permits where application materials were current and moved to conditionally approve a permit where insurance documentation had lapsed, reflecting the board’s routine permit review and emphasis on up-to-date insurance and coordination with emergency management on burn bans.
Board members asked whether recent changes to state law altered local discretion to issue display permits. Staff said the board still retains discretion to issue display permits and that Pottawattamie County EMA would make burn-ban determinations. Supervisors also noted local fire departments and contractors typically provide on-site water and safety support for displays.
Ending: The board approved fireworks permits where documentation was current and conditioned one permit on receipt of updated insurance by July 1; staff will notify EMA and local fire departments as needed.
