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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 />Barnhart answered that it was the 1.3 also. <br />Councilmembers discussed a potential scenario where a gathering of people would need a permit to use <br />smaller bottle rockets with a licensed operator as opposed to the bigger ones where they would not need a <br />permit. <br />Barnhart said the Fire Chief would check to see if the resident had the proper licensing and accreditation <br />for the 1.4 size. If the resident didn't, the Fire Chief would deny that portion of the permit. <br />Crosby commented that if someone was doing that, they would be out of Code, anyway. <br />Barnhart said if a resident was licensed, accredited and can launch all fireworks, including the 1.4, the <br />Fire Chief would still review the application and could issue a Special Events Permit. The City is being <br />cautious, understanding changes can be made if needed. He noted licensed operators may use both the 1.3 <br />and 1.4 fireworks. <br />Walsh stated it is a fire issue if anyone is launching fireworks of all types, so it would be better to know <br />than not know. <br />Barnhart said the City is making sure its Ordinance matches the Fire Code's definition of fireworks, <br />because that triggers the Special Events Permit. <br />Johnson asked whether Mr. Erickson's concern is that some 1.4G fireworks are legal and don't require a <br />permit but the language is requiring them to apply for a permit. <br />Barnhart stated he was correct. <br />Walsh and Barnhart discussed that would be the case even on a small scale. Barnhart noted it would be <br />reviewed by the Fire Chief and he would advise the City accordingly. <br />Councilmembers noted if the fireworks were legal, technically a resident would not need a permit. <br />Johnson asked if it is a legal firework, the citizen should not have to contact the City, and if Mr. <br />Erickson's concern is that a resident has to contact the City if they have legal fireworks. <br />Barnhart stated that is what he believes Mr. Erickson thinks. The Fire Chief told him some smaller items <br />that people believe are fireworks are not actually defined as fireworks, according to the Fire Code. <br />Crosby suggested matching the Fire Code language rather than picking apart definitions. <br />Johnson suggested a compromise would be to insert a paragraph to exclude legal fireworks. <br />Councilmembers and Barnhart discussed what language could be used and whether they could add some <br />language referring to State Code, such as "excluding any legally defined fireworks per State Code." <br />Barnhart said he would like to come back with a definition from the City Attorney's office because the <br />State Fire Code identifies what a firework is, and if the City is going to depart from that, it needs to be <br />looked at very carefully. <br />Page 4 of 18 <br />