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Council opens first reading to update fireworks code to new state law, raises private-property insurance limit
Summary
Council held the first reading of an ordinance aligning the city's fireworks rules with a state law change that narrows the city's ability to restrict fireworks on certain dates and raised the city's private-property insurance minimum requirement.
The Decorah City Council conducted a first reading Thursday on an ordinance to align the city's fireworks code with a newly enacted state law and to raise the private-property insurance minimum required for fireworks use.
Staff said Senate File 303, signed by the governor and effective July 1, prevents cities from prohibiting the discharge of fireworks during specified times: July 3 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., July 4 from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Dec. 31 from 9 a.m. to Jan. 1 at 12:30 a.m. The proposed municipal ordinance removes the city’s prior local time restrictions for those periods and increases the minimum insurance requirement referenced in the code from $1,000,000 to $2,000,000 for private-property fireworks displays.
Staff stressed that the state law does not allow fireworks to be discharged on city streets, sidewalks, levees or parks; fireworks still must be used only on private property with the property owner's permission. One councilmember urged residents to contact state legislators regarding the change; another said the city should avoid keeping an ordinance on the books that police cannot enforce.
Councilmember Chisel moved for approval of the first reading; Zittergruen seconded. The council voted to adopt the first reading. The vote was not unanimous: Chisel, Olson, Zittergruen, Parker and Missalinich voted aye; Whittle and Neil indicated they would vote no. The ordinance will return for additional readings as required by city code before final adoption.
Staff told the public to call law enforcement only when fireworks are being used unlawfully under city code (for example, on city property) and to contact state legislators about the state law if they have concerns.
This was a first reading; the council did not waive subsequent readings. The ordinance would take final effect only after the council completes subsequent readings and adopts the ordinance formally.
