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Poulsbo council discusses advisory fireworks ballot measure; staff to refine wording and legal enforceability
Summary
Council considered placing an advisory question on the November ballot asking whether voters favor restricting fireworks sale, possession and discharge within the city. Staff said adding the advisory measure to the general election is inexpensive; council asked the clerk and city attorney to refine language about possession and enforceability.
Councilmembers on May 14 discussed a draft resolution to place a citizen advisory question about fireworks on the November general election ballot.
Rhiannon (clerk) explained that the city can add an advisory question to the general election at little or no extra cost because the city already has multiple races on the November ballot. She presented draft ballot language that would ask voters whether they favor restricting sale, possession and discharge of fireworks within the city.
Councilmember Eckert said an advisory vote provides a fair way to gauge residents’ preferences. Several councilmembers asked staff to check with the Kitsap County Auditor about the precise summary language required for an advisory question and whether a pro/con statement or summary must be included.
Councilmembers raised a specific concern about the draft language’s coverage of possession. Several said possession without an overt act would be difficult to enforce and asked staff, the police chief and the city attorney to refine the language so it would be enforceable and focused on discharge/nuisance while still reflecting voter intent.
Rhiannon said the clerk’s office and city attorney would consult with Chief Harding and the auditor on enforceability, the need for summary statements, and any necessary statutory phrasing. The council did not vote on the measure at the May 14 meeting; staff will return with refined language and cost estimates before formally placing the advisory question on the ballot.
