A Jefferson city ordinance has prevented residents from experiencing one type of outdoor activity, which may soon change.

Police Chief Mark Clouse says since the state law was passed a few years ago legalizing fireworks, the city ordinance remained the same that prohibited people within city limits from firing them off. He tells Raccoon Valley Radio, the law enforcement committee, along with the assistance from City Administrator Scott Peterson and City Attorney David Morain, an amendment to that ordinance that would legalize the use of fireworks is expected to be presented at an upcoming city council meeting.

Clouse endorses the change and believes this is a good compromise to appease more people in town.

“So I think this (new ordinance) gives them a period of time, a gateway if you will, to shoot their fireworks and the neighbors, or whoever are going to know that this is a temporary thing.” 

Clouse explains the issue the police department has always faced is having officers respond to multiple complaint calls about fireworks being shot off, but when the officer arrives, the fireworks have ceased. So the officer leaves and then comes back to the location after another complaint is made, only to find again that fireworks have ceased. He adds that there are several provisions within the new ordinance, including the exact dates and times that fireworks are allowed, as well as what is and is not permitted in order to be able to light fireworks. 

The first of three required readings of the ordinance is expected to be presented at an upcoming City Council meeting.