Estherville, IA (KICD) — The Estherville City Council spent nearly an hour discussing possible changes in a fireworks ordinance Monday night, before an entirely new idea was brought up. Councilmembers say they got very few comments on proposed changes and only two residents showed up to speak at a public hearing. Police Chief Brent Shatto had the stats from last year.

Shatto said he only brought up the topic because issuing permits might open up the city for liability should there be a fire. Fire Chief Travis Sheridan said his department was dispatched four times during fireworks season last year.

After a stalmate, Sheridan offered that he was most fearful of fireworks shot off downtown where an accidental fire could spread quickly. The council then picked up a cue from the city’s leaf-burning ordinance and passed first reading of a new ordinance that would would grant firework permits to residents if they own at least one and a half acres. The permits will now also be issued by city staff instead of by city council action to streamline the process.
The motion to wave second and third readings failed so further action will be necessary before the new ordinance becomes official.