Kennewick, Wash. — The Kennewick City Council voted unanimously Nov. 4 to approve a draft letter supporting West Richland’s intent to ban aerial fireworks and authorized Mayor Crawford to sign it.

City Manager Eerdman told the council the draft would align Kennewick with Richland and Benton County, which already prohibit aerial fireworks, and said a unified regional approach would reduce enforcement confusion, allow pooled resources for public-education campaigns and present a consistent public-safety message. "When all municipalities have the same rules, residents will no longer be confused about where aerial fireworks are permitted regardless of where they live, work or celebrate," Eerdman said during the staff report.

Mayor Pro Tem Torelli moved to approve the letter of support and authorize the mayor’s signature; Council member Milbauer seconded the motion. The clerk called the vote and the motion passed unanimously, six to zero.

The staff report noted West Richland is in the early stages of discussion and asked for Kennewick’s support now to facilitate regional cohesion. There was no further debate recorded in the meeting minutes and no amendment to the draft was proposed at the meeting.

The action was procedural: council approved a letter conveying support for another jurisdiction’s policy initiative. No change to Kennewick municipal code was proposed or voted on at the meeting.