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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING <br /> Monday,March 9,2020 <br /> 6:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> Crosby said he is not sure what Mr. Erickson is trying to resolve,because the other fireworks would not <br /> be coming under regulation, anyway. <br /> Walsh agreed with Crosby. <br /> Barnhart said his understanding from the Council was to keep the language more broad. In the previous <br /> version, a specific Minnesota statute was referenced. He believes that Mr. Erickson thinks the smaller <br /> fireworks don't have as much of a reach as the large ones and does not want to bring the City in on some <br /> of the smaller events. The City is looking at what the Fire Code identifies as fireworks to make sure a fire <br /> hazard is not being created. <br /> Seals asked if the language matches the Minnesota State Fire Code, or as close as possible, which is the <br /> goal. <br /> Barnhart said he thinks it does. <br /> Walsh said they do not want to set a standard that is not attached to the Fire Code. If the City finds it is <br /> too overzealous it can be amended later,but he would rather err on the side of caution to start with. <br /> Crosby stated he does not see authorities coming after people with sparklers or other minor items. He <br /> agreed with Walsh as far as matching the State Fire Code language. <br /> Mr. Erickson said that is why he used the 1.3G designation as part of the Minnesota State Fire Code. He <br /> stated the 1.4G are the small fireworks, both legal and illegal. He noted you need to hire a licensed <br /> operator for the 1.3G fireworks in addition to having a permit. During the Work Session,the Chief of <br /> Police mentioned no one would interfere if somebody had a sparkler because they are legal. The police <br /> are aware that bottle rockets,the next step up, are illegal and they can intervene at any time. There is <br /> adequate state law forbidding those, so it does not need to be included. He noted the section that has been <br /> agreed upon includes arequired vote by the City Council based on the Fire Chief's recommendation, <br /> which guarantees adequate notice being sent to neighbors, etc. He is trying to limit the scope of what the <br /> problem is and they seem to be getting close, and he wants to get it to the final step to move it forward. <br /> Walsh indicated he understood Mr. Erickson's point and appreciated his time. <br /> Seals said she would like the language to match what the State Fire Chief says, in case it changes. <br /> Walsh noted that was the same direction as in the Work Session. <br /> Johnson stated his understanding of Mr. Erickson's concern: the City Council is reinforcing something <br /> that is already illegal and it is unnecessary. <br /> Barnhart stated the smaller fireworks are referred to as consumer fireworks. Minnesota does not allow <br /> consumer fireworks to fly, such as bottle rockets. The proposal is, anything under the larger umbrella of a <br /> firework, as defined by the Fire Code,requires a Special Events Permit. The Fire Chief would review the <br /> application, confirm the launch location, and the City Council review and approve the permit. <br /> Johnson asked if that was the 1.4 scenario. <br /> Page 3 of 18 <br />