Cape City Council to ask for input on fireworks rules

Cape Girardeau children may be barred from buying, possessing or discharging fireworks if the city council imposes new restrictions on the celebration of Independence Day.

The city council on Monday night discussed the possibility of keeping fireworks out of the hands of anyone under 18 years of age, but made no decisions.

Council members suggested they may be leaning toward tighter restrictions on the sale and use of fireworks rather than an outright ban.

The council said it will seek public input on the issue at its Oct. 6 meeting. Council members said they also plan to discuss the issue at a joint meeting with Jackson aldermen in December as officials in both cities look at restricting fireworks.

Mayor Jay Knudtson said he doesn't know if Cape Girardeau is ready to consider banning fireworks.

"It is a very, very emotional issue," he said. "The previous council took baby steps when they eliminated bottle rockets."

Further restrictions may be the next logical step, he said.

But Councilman Hugh White doubted age restrictions on buying fireworks would keep fireworks out of the hands of children.

"There will always be someone who will buy it for someone who is under age," White said.

Knudtson responded that any age restrictions must apply to possession and discharge of fireworks and not just sales.

The mayor said it's a safety issue.

Council members also discussed restricting fireworks sales in Cape Girardeau to a week, as is being considered by Jackson aldermen. Another possible restriction would be to eliminate all types of rockets.

Chris Wheeler, who sells fireworks in Cape Girardeau, said banning all rockets would eliminate the sale and use of most fireworks locally.

Wheeler said national statistics show that many of the injuries annually are caused by illegal fireworks.

Councilman Jay Purcell said safety will be an issue even under the most stringent regulations.

"Some people just choose not to be safe," he said.

Council members asked the city staff to research the issue and report back on what restrictions are in place in other cities.

Knudtson said the council has plenty of time to consider new fireworks restrictions well in advance of next year's fireworks season.

In other business, the council voted to ban on-street parking entirely on the north side of Alta Vista Drive.

The council acted upon the request of residents who said that on-street parking, allowed on the street at night and on weekends, makes it a traffic safety hazard for motorists and pedestrians. Students regularly park on the street, which borders Southeast Missouri State University.

mbliss@semissourian.com

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