FIREWORKS HEARING FIZZLES

Only one fireworks dealer and four citizens spoke their views on fireworks Monday, far fewer than the number the Cape Girardeau City Council expected.

It was July when councilmen began discussing a change in the city's fireworks ordinance. Several had received complaints from people in their wards -- those angered or frightened by the constant pops from bottle rockets and other items.

Cape Girardeau police received 122 calls involving fireworks complaints this year. Most of the callers couldn't be helped because the people setting off fireworks were within their rights. City law allows fireworks to be used between 8 a.m.-10 p.m. from June 20-July 3 and between 8 a.m. and midnight on July 4 each year.

Councilmen wanted to know if they should leave the law as is, shorten the period during which fireworks can be used or ban fireworks altogether.

Citizens who spoke at the hearing seemed to lean toward the second option. Roseanna Whitlow owns a home near downtown and said she is in fear of property damage every time she hears a firework.

Pat Patterson, another Cape Girardeau resident, has had a close encounter with fireworks. He said his son opened the door to see a bottle rocket whizzing at him. He said it hit the floor in the foyer, and a burn mark remains as evidence.

"By the first, second and third of July, a lot of people have had it with the constant pop, bang and pow of fireworks," he said. "I'd at least like to see the time period shortened."

Two people spoke in favor of keeping the ordinance the way it is, but Richard Hoffman was the sole fireworks dealer to address the council. He owns Hoffman Family Fireworks, which consists of five stands in various communities. His children in high school and college work the stands to make extra money.

Hoffman said there is evidence to indicate the number of injuries and true disturbances due to fireworks have dropped in recent years.

"I was a little surprised to hear there was a concern about the sale of fireworks within the Cape Girardeau city limits," he said. "I feel like people who sell retail fireworks are doing the best we can to be responsible and maintain a good reputation."

Councilman Richard Eggimann said he was disappointed in that there wasn't more citizen input. Councilman Melvin Gateley suggested that the fireworks ordinance be put on the next City Council agenda as a matter for discussion and possible action.

The council meets Monday, Oct. 7.