Jackson officials seek input on fireworks issue

Hoping to prevent a knee-jerk reaction that goes against the will of the public, the Jackson Board of Aldermen, meeting Monday night, set a voluntary public hearing date to consider opinions on a possible ban of certain fireworks in the city limits.

On Aug. 4, residents will have the opportunity to approach the board on whether or not city residents should be allowed to shoot off bottle rockets and other aerial type fireworks.

The issue was brought to forefront at the July 7 meeting when John Trowbridge asked the council to consider making changes to the firework ordinance. Trowbridge lost his house on May 26 when a firework landed in landscaping near the house, catching it on fire.

"We didn't want to make decisions fairly quickly and be done with it and run the risk of the public saying they did not have a chance to give their feelings," said Mayor Paul Sander.

After doing some research with the Missouri Municipal League, he said he was surprised at the number of communities that have ordinances restricting fireworks.

"People have been doing their own fireworks displays here for decades," Sander said. "Some say it should go one way, some say the other way and some say something in the middle."

Alderman David Reiminger said he thought it was a good idea to hold the public hearing.

"I'd rather have the input now rather than later," he said.

Alderman Phil Penzel agreed.

"We've got to do something," he said. "We need to at least take a hard look. I would like to do what the majority of the public wants."

In other business, the board also approved a special-use permit for the placement of temporary mobile office unit for Immaculate Conception School.

"They're going to have to meet a lot of building codes we're bound by," said Sander. "But we want to do anything we can to help schools, particularly one affected by a natural disaster."

The Immaculate Conception School was heavily damaged May 6 by a tornado.

bmiller@semissourian.com

243-6635