Resident complains council to study fireworks rules after debris, police nonresponse

David Klein, a Greenville resident, told the council that his neighbors’ use of large fireworks during recent July Fourth celebrations left hot embers and debris on his roof and garden and that attempts to get police to respond were unsuccessful.

"According to the Greenville Police Department, there is none," Klein said of a local fireworks ordinance, adding officers would not respond to his calls. Klein said the litter and the danger from hot embers have made it unsafe for him to be outside and asked the council to consider an ordinance and enforcement option.

Council members responded by agreeing to refer the matter to the safety committee for study and to ask that a police representative attend the committee meeting. Council President (addressed in the meeting as the presiding officer) said staff could prepare options and target a committee report for the first council meeting in June so any changes could be considered before the next holiday period.

Councilmember Rogers and Councilmember Godwin volunteered to participate with the safety committee and to coordinate police representation for the scheduled meeting. Staff and council asked the resident for contact information and the location he identified as where fireworks are being discharged.

Why it matters: Residents and the city have different enforcement tools. Klein said he had been told officers would not respond because the city has no local fireworks ordinance; council members noted state law and littering rules may apply but that a local review could clarify enforcement responsibilities and any local regulations.

What happens next: The council referred the fireworks complaint to the safety committee, asked staff to schedule a committee meeting before the first June council meeting, and requested police staff attend the committee work session to discuss enforcement options and any draft ordinance language.