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Newton commissioners direct staff to draft fireworks sales and discharge ordinance after extended public debate
Summary
After hours of vendor testimony and resident comments, the Newton City Commission directed staff to prepare an ordinance setting 2026 fireworks retail‑sale dates (June 27–July 4) and a tiered discharge schedule: safe-and-sane discharge for June 27–July 1 and aerial discharge July 2–4. The commission voted to draft the ordinance and return for formal adoption.
The Newton City Commission on Jan. 23 directed staff to draft an ordinance setting retail sale dates for fireworks from June 27 through July 4, 2026, and to limit loud aerial discharges to July 2–4 while allowing “safe and sane” (ground/low-height) discharges during the earlier sales period.
Denise, city staff, told commissioners the meeting’s purpose was to settle dates and times so the ordinance could be returned for formal vote; the item was framed as policy direction, not final adoption (Denise).
Several vendors and members of the public urged differing approaches. Brian Donnelly, owner of Big Show Fireworks, urged the commission to align sales with discharge or shorten sale days when discharge was prohibited,…
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