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Council asks 'Patriotic Party in the Park' organizers to work with city on July 4 plans
Summary
A community group sought permission to use Yantis Park and the golf course for a July 4 celebration including an evening fireworks display; staff listed safety, insurance and neighbor‑notification requirements and the council voted to have the group work with the City Manager's Office to plan the event.
A local group calling itself "Patriotic Party in the Park" asked the council for permission to hold a July 4 celebration at Yantis Park and behind the Milton‑Freewater Golf Course with a community fireworks display, a glow‑in‑the‑dark parade, vendors, a car show and other activities. The request included a waiver to allow aerial fireworks on city property until 11:00 p.m.
Interim City Manager Tim Johnson reviewed a staff memo of questions and requirements for the event, listing items the city would need before approval. Among the points in the memo he read aloud was whether "the fireworks display be conducted by a licensed professional pyrotechnics company," and that the organizers provide insurance naming the City as additionally insured, a plan to address any errant fire, a debris‑and‑trash cleanup plan, outreach or approval from surrounding property owners, and coordination with the City Manager's office for legal compliance and safety. Manager Johnson also noted that Golf Pro George Gillette suggested using the golf course's fifth hole as a possible firing location.
Councilor Emily Holden moved to request that the organizers work with the Office of the City Manager to plan the event; Councilor Steve Irving seconded. The motion passed unanimously. The council did not make a final determination on the waiver for aerial fireworks and directed staff to work with the organizers to evaluate safety, logistics and code compliance.
