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Fireworks spark debate at town hall meeting

WC residents bring concerns to council Monday evening

Webster City residents brought their concerns to the city council at Monday night’s town hall meeting.

The majority of residents present at the meeting expressed their dislike of the current fireworks ordinance. Individuals brought up concerns with the high volume of noise, danger to children and pets throughout the city, and the length of time that citizens were able to shoot off fireworks within certain parts of Webster City.

Councilman Brian Miller informed attendees that the council is open to hearing the community’s thoughts.

“I think this would be a good time to say that when we did the fireworks ordinance, the way we did them, the whole plan was to come back and see what changes we need to make,” Miller said. “We’re open to hearing your ideas so we can revisit it and make those changes for the next year.”

The city received over 100 complaints over the Fourth of July holiday, according to the council.

The majority of attendees at the meeting agreed that the city should shorten the time frame in which fireworks can be shot off within city limits.

Another citizen addressed her concern over young children using sparklers and fireworks without the direct supervision of a parent.

“I really blame the state for this mess,” said Webster City resident Becky Kepler.

She also expressed the need to ensure the public is informed about when and where fireworks can be shot off.

“When you figure out how you’re going to curtail your hours, there’s got to be a better way of getting that word to these people,” said Kepler.

With the large number of complaints over the holiday, the ability to enforce the ordinance was difficult. Many callers couldn’t give an exact location of where the complaint was occurring.

Webster City Fire Chief Chuck Stansfield touched based with attendees on the department’s future plans to educate the city about proper use of fireworks.

“We got hit really hard and fast with this this year so we really didn’t have the opportunity to educate our city on what the guidelines would be,” said Stansfield. “Once the council gets through all the decision making, I want to ensure you that we will have it addressed.”

According to Stansfield, when the council revisits the fireworks ordinance, the department plans to put banners up around the city which will have the times citizens will be allowed to shoot off fireworks.

Fireworks safety will also be addressed.

“If children under the age of 18 are handling fireworks they need to be in direct line of supervision with their parents,” Stansfield said. “That is something we can educate people on and make sure that people are aware of that.”

“We don’t want anybody to get hurt,” said Stansfield.

Citizens will also be updated on proper disposal of fireworks.

“We missed out on that huge education piece where we can let people know what is allowable, when they can do it, who can do it, where they can do it…” said Stansfield.

Stansfield also informed the public that he is available for questions, comments and concerns regarding proper fireworks usage also.

Project updates

Webster City City Manager Daniel Ortiz-Hernandez updated residents on the status of ongoing city projects.

According to Ortiz-Hernandez, the James Street project is nearing completion. The final completion date is scheduled for July 28.

“The paving has been completed, with some final touches being required,” Ortiz-Hernandez said.

Once contractors have completed the James Street project, they will move on to work on the Brewer Creek 5th and 6th Additions. They will start and complete the paving within the two subdivisions.

The pedestrian bridge on East Second Street was installed a few weeks ago and the newly installed sidewalk is “pretty much completed.” The final walk through of the project is set for July 26.

Ortiz-Hernandez said that the city will be in charge of clearing the snow from the sidewalk and bridge. The city is currently working on a snow removal plan for the bridge and sidewalk.

“Brewer Creek 5 and 6 are moving forward,” said Ortiz-Hernandez. The lots in Brewer Creek 5 are expected to be completed by September 1. The lots in Brewer Creek 6 are expected to be completed by November 1.

“Most of the infrastructure has already been installed. The paving of roads will begin shortly, as soon as they wrap up the James Street project,” said Ortiz-Hernandez.

Nuisance properties

Citizens questioned the city’s progress on nuisance properties.

According to the council a house on Third Street and two houses on Lynn Street have been torn down.

According to Ortiz-Hernandez, there are:

• five cases currently pending in court “in some fashion” regarding abandoned properties

• Three additional court cases pending for municipal infractions that either stem from nuisance or other unsafe issues

To date this season, the city has issued:

• 30 notices for nuisances

• 20 unsafe building notices

• Two notices related to sidewalk issues

• 78 notices related to grass or weeds

• 13 issues regarding construction without building permits

• 10 vehicles in front of yards

• 8 sign related issues

Ortiz-Hernandez noted that the city is still working on what changes to make to the existing ordinances regarding nuisances and unsafe building properties.

Mayor John Hawkins reminded the public that according to city ordinance, citizens are not allowed to put items on the city right-of-ways (sidewalks).

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