Residents urge stronger enforcement of illegal fireworks after July 4 incidents

Several Neenah residents told the Common Council on June 4 they want the city to take stronger action against illegal fireworks after repeated incidents in residential neighborhoods. Wendy Shepanski, 1037 Oak Street, said an M80 explosion on July 4 last year coincided with her dog suffering a fatal heart attack; she said she recorded activity and that police response resulted only in a warning.

Wendy's husband, William, said he has tracked the same addresses for years and questioned why the city enforces minor property rules (for example, trimming trees or cleaning discarded furniture) but not fireworks that violate state law. "What I wanna know is when is the city gonna crack down on this?" he asked the council.

Alderman Palmeau asked City Attorney Rashid whether the matter should go to committee or be handled through a council directive. Attorney Rashid said the topic could be placed on the Public Services and Safety Committee agenda or addressed via a council directive and offered to provide legal context about ordinances and enforcement procedures at a future meeting. Alderman Palmeau said he would speak with the committee chairman to place the issue on the committee agenda.

Council members and staff indicated that complaints and the enforcement process would benefit from clarification and that committee-level review could examine the city's ordinance options, enforcement processes, and potential penalties. No ordinance change or formal enforcement action was adopted at the June 4 meeting; staff were asked to provide information and committee placement for further review.