For City Council Meeting [July 14,2020]
TO: Honorable City Council
APPROVAL: Rod Foster, City Manager
FROM: Brian Park, Interim Fire Chief
Title
Request City Council to Consider the Establishment of an Ad Hoc Firework Committee for the Purpose of Making Recommendations Related to Fireworks in the City of Rialto.
(ACTION)
Body
BACKGROUND
At the City Council Meeting on June 23, 2020, the Council directed staff to bring forward an agenda item to establish an Ad Hoc Firework Committee aimed at reducing the impacts of fireworks in Rialto. The City of Rialto has an expressed interest in stopping significant negative impact of all fireworks to our community.
In 2019, a Community Fireworks Task Force to address this problem was formed with the goals of producing a comprehensive community-based fireworks risk reduction plan. Despite the outreach efforts, we observed and received increased complaints about a significant number and scope of fireworks this past 4th of July (even with increased enforcement efforts that will be detailed during the staff presentation of this item).
ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION
Due to the significant impact of fireworks in Rialto, the City intends to develop a long-range plan to stop significant adverse effects of all fireworks to our community, which includes our pets. A summary of the firework related incidents for 2020 are attached. (Attachment 1)
The City Council should discuss and advise staff regarding the preferred membership structure of the Ad Hoc Committee. This includes the number of at-large members, their qualifications if any, and the role, if any, of the City Council. The Ad Hoc Firework Committee will receive primary support from the Police Chief and Fire Chief.
Therefore, staff requests that the City Council consider the establishment of an Ad Hoc Firework Committee for the purpose of making recommendations related to fireworks in the City of Rialto. Recommendations for the Ad Hoc Fireworks Committee Guidelines are attached. (Attachment 2).
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
The establishment of the Ad Hoc Firework Committee is an administrative action of the legislative body and is not defined as a project. The proposed action is therefore exempt from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). CEQA does not apply to projects for which “it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant impact upon the environment” (Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines).
GENERAL PLAN CONSISTENCY
The City of Rialto General Plan establishes various guiding principles, goals, and objectives through which the City looks to improve the community and protect the quality of life for our residents. The proposed item supports the General Plan in the following areas:
Goal 5-3: To Increase the City’s fire protection capabilities and implement fire prevention regulations and standards that minimize potential fire hazards and fire losses.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney has reviewed and supports this staff report.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Operating Budget Impact
The Ad Hoc Firework Committee commits staff resources and there will be some nominal expenses to support the work effort.
Capital Improvement Budget Impact
No impact to the capital improvement budget.
Licensing
This action does not require a business license.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff requests that the City Council consider the establishment of an Ad Hoc Firework Committee and provide any comments/direction related thereto.