The Perry City Council met Tuesday morning in a special work session, and they believe they are ready to pass an ordinance relating to fireworks.

The sale and use of fireworks was recently made legal in the State of Iowa effective June 1st. The timing of the passage of the law created difficulties for cities wanting to decide how they plan to handle it. However, the Perry Council worked hard to make sure they got something on the books as quickly as possible.

City Administrator Sven Peterson tells Raccoon Valley Radio the City plans to restrict fireworks use to the Fourth of July from 4-11 p.m. People can still buy and sell fireworks between June 1st and July 8th as outlined in the state law, but using them will be restricted to July 4th. The Council will also include language in the ordinance that outlaws people from using fireworks while under the influence. Additionally, it will be illegal to shoot fireworks within 200 yards of nursing homes or hospitals, and they are prohibited on public property or on the right-of-way. The fine for violating any of the restrictions will be $500.

Ordinances require three readings in order to become official, which usually requires at least two meetings. However, the Council is able to suspend the rules of readings, and will do all three readings at their June 5th regular meeting. According to Peterson, rule suspensions are allowed in cases of public safety. Once the ordinance is passed on three readings, it will be published and then will take effect. Given that the state law allows the sale and use of fireworks starting June 1st and the ordinance won’t be passed until June 5th, the Council is hopeful people are smart about potentially using fireworks during that time frame.

The Council anticipates more discussion to be had regarding the ordinance at the June 5th meeting, and they encourage the public to join the discussion. Peterson says they got a lot of work done on the ordinance, but the City employees will continue looking at it and refining it before the meeting.