Utica council approves fireworks tents, Gasoline Alley car show, appointments and several budget/equipment measures; fireworks ordinance review postponed

The Utica City Council on May 13 approved a string of event permits, administrative motions and budget adjustments while postponing a separate fireworks ordinance review to allow more time for edits.

Most immediately visible were approvals for temporary fireworks sales tents at three locations and permit conditions focusing on public-safety insurance and temporary signage limits. The council also approved the annual Gasoline Alley car show and a related Auburn Road closure for Aug. 9, 2025, confirmed two appointments to city boards and council, and authorized several department budget amendments and equipment purchases.

Fireworks tents and signage: The council approved three temporary fireworks sales and tent permits with largely identical conditions: permits are contingent on proper building-department permits, the city being added as an additional insured on the vendor insurance policy, and adherence to the city’s temporary-sign ordinance limit of 12 square feet (council directed vendors to reduce larger banners to comply). The three approved locations and key permit details on the record were: - 45101 Shaner: Approved for June 15 through July 4, 2025, pending proper permits, addition of the city as additional insured, and compliance with the 12-square-foot temporary-sign limit (motion carried). Vendor Michael Conackery told the council he operates multiple locations and emphasized…