Council delays changes to fireworks rules, sends issue to police and fire committee

The Marysville City Council heard more than 20 minutes of debate over a proposed addition to the city's fireworks ordinance that would have prohibited deliberately igniting fireworks that cause residue to fall onto another person's property.

Public commenters told the council they felt older residents had been targeted by neighbors' fireworks and urged stricter rules. A council member proposed language aimed at preventing chemicals and debris from fireworks from landing on neighboring properties; other council members raised concerns that a local ordinance could create a lower-level charge that might undermine existing criminal statutes such as criminal littering or assault.

Police Chief [identified in the meeting as the chief] told the council that acts intentionally aimed at another person or their property could already be charged as assault or criminal littering and that the enforceability of a new municipal code would be similar to existing criminal investigations: officers would gather evidence, including video and witness statements, to establish intent. The chief said a city-code violation would be a lower-level option but would not materially change investigative practice.

After discussion about the scope and potential unintended consequences of a new ordinance, council members agreed not to vote on the proposed language at the meeting. The council chair rescinded the motion and directed the police and fire committee to review the question, examine existing ordinances and statutes, and bring a recommendation back to the council. The committee will hold a meeting to consider the matter and report to the full council with suggested language or a recommendation to take no action.

Ending: Council members said they welcome additional public input and urged residents who want changes to reach out to their councilmembers and attend the police and fire committee meeting when it is scheduled.