SNOHOMISH — The City Council might ban a traditional way of celebrating freedom here. It is moving forward with plans to ask voters in November to weigh in on banning fireworks.
After a public hearing Tuesday evening, the elected leaders unanimously agreed to limit when fireworks are allowed to be set off to July 4.
Now, discharge and sales are permitted from July 1 through 4 in Snohomish.
The one-day restriction takes effect in July 2017. It does not change permitted sales dates.
But the city is mulling an outright ban on selling and setting off fireworks. If approved, state law will not allow it to take effect until July 2018.
More than 60 cities and five counties across the state have banned discharge and sales of fireworks. In Snohomish County, several cities ban fireworks, including Edmonds, Everett, Gold Bar, Mill Creek, Mountlake Terrace, Mukilteo. Voters in Marysville and Brier approved such restrictions in 2015.
The council narrowly decided Tuesday to have staff take steps to put a citywide ban up for an advisory vote on the November ballot.
The measure requires approval by August to be included in the 2016 election. It is expected to cost the city up to $5,000.
Councilmen Tom Hamilton, Zach Wilde and Derrick Burke opposed putting the ban on the ballot. They wanted to get rid of fireworks without first asking voters.
A rash of complaints about annoyances, such as noise and smoke from fireworks, prompted the council to consider new restrictions.
After the election, the council likely will hold a public hearing before deciding on the issue.
“Fireworks bans can be a big deal for certain members of the community,” city manager Larry Bauman said.
He was surprised the city didn’t hear from more people at Tuesday’s public hearing. He expected opponents who typically speak out against limiting fireworks to show up.
“Usually, the industry sends someone to talk about how Americans should have the freedom to blow themselves up,” Bauman said.
Amy Nile: 425-339-3192; anile@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @AmyNileReports.
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