An ordinance restricting the use of fireworks in the City of Ketchikan to only the Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve is in front of the Ketchikan City Council on Thursday.
The proposed new law would make it illegal for anyone to discharge “consumer” fireworks in city limits except between 9 a.m. July 4th and 1 a.m. July 5th; and between 9 a.m. Dec. 31st and 1 a.m. Jan 1st.
Consumer fireworks are the smaller kind most commonly available for people to purchase for use at home.
The ordinance also would restrict fireworks use to those 18 and over, unless a parent is supervising; and would make it illegal for any fireworks or their debris from landing on someone else’s property, without prior permission.
Those who are intoxicated also would not be allowed to shoot off fireworks, according to the ordinance. Violations of the new rules could lead to a $500 fine.
Also Thursday, the council will again consider a contract with Ralph Anderson and Associates to update the city’s compensation plan. The council previously rejected the approximately $57,000 contract and asked that city staff update the plan, instead.
In a memo, City Manager Karl Amylon writes it would take at least a year for city personnel to do the work on top of their normal duties. He writes that future contract negotiations will be challenging if the study is not completed in a more timely manner.
Thursday’s meeting starts at 7 p.m. in city council chambers at City Hall. Public comment will be heard at the start of the meeting.
