The Cabool board of aldermen continued discussion of the city’s annual fireworks display at its regular monthly meeting Jan. 19.
The board discussed plans for the annual July 4 event at past meetings, in hopes of taking advantage of early buy discounts. The board learned last month, however, that the company hired the past several years – Premier Pyrotechnics – has no one available to shoot the fireworks. At last month’s meeting, the board agreed to research the situation further.
City administrator Ron Scheets and Kim Elliott, clerk, reported to the board that Premier Pyrotechnics has offered to help train someone to shoot the fireworks, as has another company. The second company offered to present the fireworks a week earlier on June 27.
“We’ve just always tried to keep ours on the Fourth,” said Scheets.
They reported both companies have said since this is the 250th anniversary of the United States, many fireworks events are scheduled for July 4 and they are limited with product and available individuals to shoot fireworks.
Scheets and Elliott also reported the city’s insurance carrier, MIRMA, would cover workers’ compensation in case an employee was injured while shooting fireworks, but property damage wouldn’t be covered.
After discussion with council, Scheets agreed to try to find a volunteer to attend training so the city could proceed with the purchase of fireworks.
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
In his monthly report, Scheets said changes will be coming to council in April. Aldermen John Williams and Kate Ellison filed for reelection and are unopposed. Mayor Danny Cannon is not seeking reelection, but former alderman John Mark Hale filed for the seat. Scheets reported Hale had been in touch to try to get up to speed before the election, and he was on hand at the council meeting.
Scheets also reported the city is pursuing grants for Roberts Park and for a new fire truck. The grant for the park is an 80-20 match, meaning the city would need to provide 20 percent of the project, while the fire truck grant could provide up to $500,000 with no match. Scheets said he will keep the council up to date as the process moves forward.
COUNCIL THOUGHTS
During board reports by members of the council, Alderman Brad Roberts questioned ordinances for open burning within the city limits, adding information about construction waste that had been burned. Scheets said a current ordinance exists that bans burning trash, but tree limbs and other yard waste can be burned.
Alderman John Williams asked if the city has an ordinance against panhandling in town.
“It’s considered expressive conduct,” said city attorney Conway Hawn, meaning a ban would be unconstitutional.
“I think our hands are tied quite a bit unless it’s a safety issue,” added Scheets.
The next meeting of the board of aldermen will be at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16.