Sponsor
Aldermen Shakoor, Anderson, Coe, DeHahn, Friedel, Hart, Helding, Kaplan, Maack, McCarthy, Mozol, Shields, Spangenberg, Weidner and Wisneski
Title
Urge Racine County to Enforce Compliance of existing fireworks ordinances
WHEREAS, in 2007, the Racine Police Department responded to 167 fireworks calls for service; and
WHEREAS, the National Fire Protection Association reports that more than 1,900 structural fires and 730 vehicle fires occur annually causing more than $37 million dollars worth of damage; and
WHEREAS, more than 9,300 people are treated in emergency rooms annually as a result of fireworks injuries, two-thirds of which occur between June 16th and July 16 of each year; and
WHEREAS, the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services reports that almost one-half of all fireworks injuries involve children under the age of 15; and
WHEREAS, the current permit system does not prevent the entry of dangerous fireworks into the City of Racine; and
WHEREAS, state law does not currently provide for criminal penalties for the illegal sale, use or possession of firecrackers, bottle rockets, roman candles or mortars, and instead, only provides for forfeitures of up to $1,000; and
WHEREAS, there is no legitimate purpose or use for a firecracker, roman candle, bottle rocket or mortar, Section 167.10 of the Wisconsin Statutes must be changed to prohibit the sale, use or possession of such items anywhere in the State of Wisconsin and to prohibit the issuance of a permit either by the state or any municipality.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Racine Common Council urges all local jurisdictions within and including Racine County;
(1) to communicate with our state assemblymen and senators, urging them to make the foregoing changes in our state statutes;
(2) to re-examine their respective ordinances for the purpose of limiting those items which are currently legal without a permit such as stationary cones and fountains, sparklers, smoke bombs, caps and toy snakes commencing in 2009;
(3) to urge the District Attorney for Racine County to monitor the sales of fireworks and firework permits by vendors pursuant to the attached restrictions promulgated by the Wisconsin Department of Justice; and
(4) to urge local prosecutors to recommend maximum fines for individuals who are found by local municipal judges to have violated applicable statutes and/or ordinances relating to fireworks.
Fiscal Note: N/A