Smith County council approves open-burn, fireworks and personnel-policy second readings

The Smith County Council approved second readings of three ordinances and a personnel policy update during its meeting, advancing regulations on open burning, fireworks and municipal personnel rules.

The council re-opened the second reading of the open-burn permit ordinance, which had been tabled previously. A motion to adopt the second reading was made (John), seconded and carried after an aye vote, moving the ordinance forward.

Council members then considered an update to the fireworks ordinance, including which days fireworks may be discharged around specific holidays. Council discussed whether fireworks would be allowed the day before, the day of and the day after designated holidays (a point discussed in relation to New Year's observances) and clarified that some school-related exceptions were included. After discussion the motion and second were recorded and the ordinance's second reading carried.

A second-reading motion on the updated personnel policy was made by Sam Gray and seconded by Gail Sickens; the council recorded no substantive discussion and the motion carried.

Earlier in the meeting the council also approved meeting minutes and voted to approve non-emergency invoices over $10,000 after a roll call.

What happens next: The ordinances and policy advance per statutory procedures; the council did not indicate further amendments on the floor during this session.

Votes at a glance: - Open-burn permit ordinance — second reading: motion passed (motion: John; second: recorded); outcome: passed. - Fireworks ordinance (update) — second reading: motion passed after discussion on permitted days and times; outcome: passed. - Personnel policy — second reading: motion passed (mover: Sam Gray; second: Gail Sickens); outcome: passed.

The meeting proceeded to new business and a mayoral announcement before adjourning.