Jackson to consider revamping fireworks ordinance

The Jackson firefighter whose home was destroyed earlier this month by a 20-cent firework emphatically asked the Jackson Board of Aldermen to consider banning the use and sale of bottle-rocket- type explosives.

John Trowbridge said he was frustrated more than angered by the fire that consumed his family's house at 2215 Shannon Court. He addressed the board Monday night at its regular meeting.

"I just want to prevent anyone else from going through what my family went through," he said to the board.

Mayor Paul Sander told Trowbridge the board would look at possible ordiance changes and review the practices of other Missouri cities regarding fireworks restrictions.

"We've got some time now to do that and we intend to look into it extensively," Sander said. "I'm sure between now and next year you'll see some changes."

But Alderman Larry Cunningham wanted the issue treated more urgently. He told the board about a neighbor firing bottle rockets over his own house and how he had to ask them to stop.

"I want us to do something now, not wait 10 months or six months," Cunningham said.

In response, Sander asked city administrator Jim Roach to add the fireworks issue to the agenda for the board's next study session and to make inquiries with Cape Girardeau and Scott City administrations about what the three cities might be able to do together to curb illegal fireworks usage.

Other actions

The following actions were also taken by the board:

Accepted the bid of PR Developers Inc. of Cape Girardeau in the amount of $726,111.70 relative to sanitary sewer improvements under the Goose Creek Interceptor Sewer Project.

Authorized a contractual agreement with PR Developers Inc. relative to sanitary sewer improvements under the Goose Creek Interceptor Sewer Project.

Accepted the bid of PR Developers Inc. of Cape Girardeau in the amount of $802,417.40 relative to sanitary sewer improvements under the East Main Street Interceptor Sewer Project.

Authorized a contractual agreement with PR Developers Inc. relative to sanitary sewer improvements under the East Main Street Interceptor Sewer Project.

Accepted the dedication of a Sanitary Sewer Easement Deed from James K. and Deborah A. Maevers.

Approved the closure of Woodland Drive, between Wayne Street and Plainview Street, on Saturday from noon to 10 p.m. for a neighborhood block party.

Approved the preliminary plat of Rosewood Estates 6th subdivision, as submitted by Gerald and Catherine Stoverink.

Approved the rezoning of 4.02 acres of property at 560 S. Shawnee Blvd. and 1505 Bel-Air Drive, from R-3 (general residential) District to C-2 (general commercial) District, as submitted by Don and Julie Sappington and Glenn and Marilyn Fronabarger.

Approved a special use permit request for the establishment and operation of self-storage facilities in a C-2 (general commercial) District at 1505 Bel-Air Drive, as submitted by Glenn and Marilyn Fronabarger.

Approved the minor plat of a resubdivision of lots No. 22, 23 and 24 of McKendree Hills subdivision, as submitted by Charles and Alice Ireland.

Accepted the dedication of a Rocky Branch Recreational Trail Easement Deed from Southeast Missouri Medical Center Inc.

mwells@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 160