Stephen Wall, Staff Writer
Posted: 04/30/2009 10:41:38 AM PDT
GRAND TERRACE - No more snap, crackle and pop - and we're not talking about Rice Krispies.
The City Council on Tuesday took the first step toward banning "safe and sane" fireworks.
The council directed city staff to draft an ordinance to prohibit fireworks after July 4. The ordinance is scheduled to be voted on May 26.
The ban is contingent on approval from two youth sports leagues that sell fireworks to raise money for their programs.
When did the the Sports Leagues get to be in the position to "Approve" a City Council Action? Who is was elected here... ? The Mayor herself was quoted as saying the Sports Leagues had to "Approve" the ordinance. How many of you were asked to approve a zone change for your property or the property next to yours before the City Council took action? Something is out of whack here... oh it is politics...
Under a proposed deal, the groups would agree not to sell fireworks starting next year in exchange for getting a break on fees they are charged to use city fields.
The city has offered to eliminate the $5 per child field use fee, as well as provide a lighting credit to the groups. The credit would equate to an average of the past three years of lighting usage.
The presidents of the Grand Terrace Community Soccer League and Grand Terrace Little League support the deal. But the proposal must be confirmed by the boards of directors of both leagues.
"This is a win-win situation for the leagues and for the community," acting City Manager Steve Berry said. "The leagues will have their costs reduced through less fees and the city will be safer."
The ban would mean a small revenue loss for the city starting in the 2009-2010 budget year.
Last year, the city collected nearly $7,500 in field use and lighting fees from the leagues.
Councilwoman Bea Cortes said her role as an elected official is to protect citizens from danger.
"I would rather do without the $7,000 than have to deal with a disaster caused by a fire," Cortes said.
Ms. Cortez and the other Council Members are willing to let the Citizens of Grand Terrace suffer the risk and barrage of noise and pollution for one more year. There is hope in the future, but the delay in the ban defies logic.
The Danger of Fire is as strong this year as in the past years. The Pollution caused by the fireworks, and the post use trash left in the streets the morning after, and the noise that frightens pets and neighbors will be thrust upon the citizens one more year.
Enforcement of illegal fireworks will remain difficult as long as any fireworks are allowed in the city.
One more year, keep your fingers crossed, and stay home with your fire hoses ready and your dogs tranquilized... July 2009 will still be dangerous for your family and neighborhood in Grand Terrace.The FEE WAIVER was part of the recommendations of the Fireworks Study Committee several years ago. Finally reason has surfaced above the greed. Or is it the cost of added enforcement/risk and lower expected sales such that the city will not profit enough from its take of the profits to make money on the venture.
The Sports Leagues made no effort to change their fund raising as they were directed to do, why do the rest of the citizens have to be put at risk? How about putting the kids on the corners and have a fill the sports bag drive... Anything but sell one more firework.Ms Cortez has changed position on this issue. Long ago a supporter of the Sale of Fireworks, she change her opinion after a Fire on Blue Mt. and the real experience of seeing an apartment fire. The Fire on Blue Mt came close to destroying homes in Reche Canyon/Colton was started by fireworks. The apartment fire was sparked by a welder.
Safety is as Safety Does... well so to speak. Inviting fireworks of any kind increases the likelihood of a fire or other injury. Just as Welders should always have fire precautions and controls as part of their work site set up. No welding should be done when there are Santa Ana Strength Winds that can carry a spark to who knows where. There should be a public safety ordinance to cover the use of welding or other spark emitting equipment during high wind periods.
This "Win Win" agreement was presented to the Council and City Management and Sports Teams years ago... many citizens in Grand Terrace are pleased that the City Management and Council have for what ever the reason come to the conclusion that Fireworks of any kind are not in the best interest of the community. WHY WAIT ANOTHER YEAR... BAN FIREWORKS NOW THIS YEAR..
- stephen.wall@inlandnewspapers.com, (909) 386-3916
