Smithville aldermen reject tonight's neighborhood fireworks permit; staff tasked to revise policy

The Smithville Board of Aldermen on Monday voted down a single fireworks-display application and asked staff to return with tightened policy options for future events.

Alderman Russell (S12) led concerns from the dais about residents with medical conditions and animals: “I definitely have received several emails and also, calls on this and text about it… whether it’s PTSD … some hearing disorders … The pets … basically sedate their animals,” Russell said, arguing the board should limit displays to commercial or professional events rather than open up neighborhood fireworks.

Other aldermen joined Russell in urging parameters such as mandatory neighbor notification, limits on proximity, and requiring professional operators for larger displays. Planning staff and others worried that allowing open neighborhood displays could create a flood of permits and nuisance complaints.

City Administrator Wagner (S9) explained current practice: commercial facilities that host a professional show (for example, White Iron Ridge) are required to notify neighboring properties and submit the display for fire-department review. Wagner said the city does not currently send public notices for individual private displays but will continue to coordinate internally with public safety for permitted events.

When council members voted on the specific application, five voted no and one voted aye; the motion failed. The board directed staff to review the fireworks policy, examine notification protocols used by other communities, and return recommendations in a future work session for how the city will handle residential or special-event fireworks moving forward.

The defeat applied to this individual application only; Wagner and the mayor emphasized the board could adopt a broader policy change later if it wished.